MADISON – Governor Evers’ 2023-25 biennial budget proposal makes significant investments to attract, lift up, and retain working folks in Wisconsin, the backbone of our state’s economy. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison), Senate Democratic Leader, released the following statement supporting the Governor’s proposal:

“Simply put, enacting a paid family and medical leave (FMLA) program in our state is pro-worker and pro-Wisconsin. Governor Evers’ budget proposal includes a provision to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to Wisconsinites. Once again, the Governor has put forth a budget that aligns with the majority of Wisconsinites. In fact, 73% of Wisconsinites, including 62% of Republicans, favor requiring businesses to provide paid leave for new parents.”

In Wisconsin, more than 60% of workers do not have access to unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, and even more workers – 77% – do not have access to paid family leave through their employers.

“Wisconsin, like many states, is experiencing a workforce shortage, and it’s imperative that we take a multi-faceted approach to attract and retain workers in Wisconsin. We know that women participate in the workforce at higher rates in countries that offer paid leave than in those that don’t. If we want more people to live, work, and play in our state, we must ensure that they can have a child, care for a loved one, or overcome an illness without derailing their entire life or going bankrupt.

“I will continue working for Wisconsin and supporting policies that uplift the ordinary people of the state. Providing Wisconsinites with paid family leave will make our workforce stronger, more productive, and more prosperous in the long run.”