CONTACT: Rep. Patrick Snyder (608) 266-0654
MADISON… Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed a package of 13 bills that were a product of the Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care. Representative Patrick Snyder (Schofield) served as co-chair of the task force, along with his colleague Representative Steve Doyle (Onalaska). The bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
“Today’s vote was important for the children of Wisconsin who unfortunately spend time in our child welfare system,” said Rep. Snyder. “All of the proposals are a direct reflection of the input and feedback we received over the past few months. I am proud to say that we listened, and we delivered results.”
The task force was created last summer by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Since then, the committee has traveled to six different communities to hear from the individuals who are impacted by the foster care system. In December of last year, the committee unveiled their legislative package, Foster Forward.
“From the beginning, we have taken a holistic approach to how we can improve our system,” said Snyder. “That is why this package of bills includes proposals that will support our families, assist all of those involved in the system, and be a resource to those who unfortunately age out.”
The Foster Forward package includes funding for programs that aim to keep children from entering the system in the first place and grants tuition remission for youth who have spent time in foster care.
“The action taken today is a significant first step,” said Snyder. “I look forward to continuing our work to ensure that our most vulnerable are afforded the tools they need to succeed.”
The package of bills now heads to the state Senate for their consideration. Following passage in the Senate, the bills will go before the Governor to be signed into law.
