Rep. Rob Kreibich

I am appalled by the Governor’s decision to veto SB 291, a bipartisan bill I co-sponsored that incentivized employer involvement in childcare and marked a step in the right direction for Wisconsin families and children.

SB 291 expanded the childcare expenses that are eligible for the Business Development Tax Credit (BDTC) under the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Currently, businesses can receive the BDTC for up to 15% of capital investments associated with developing an employee childcare program. This bill proposed allowing businesses to claim credits for other childcare expenses, such as operational costs, reimbursements to employees and contributions to dependent care FSAs. This would have vastly benefited smaller businesses who cannot afford to build on-site childcare centers.

In the Governor’s 2025 State of the State address, the Governor declared childcare was a top state priority. Fast forward to now and the Governor acknowledges that employer involvement is a critical component of addressing Wisconsin’s childcare crisis, yet he vetoes a bill designed to do exactly that.

This bill was developed and supported by a broad coalition, spanning childcare advocates, employers, economic development corporations and legislators on both sides of the aisle. Still, the Governor chose to dismiss this bill.

It is disappointing to see the Governor site faulty excuses for why SB 291 couldn’t be signed, instead of prioritizing the needs of families and children across the state.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to join my mailing list, please feel free to reach out to me at 608-237-9128 or at Rep.Kreibich@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Rep. Rob Kreibich represents Wisconsin’s 28th Assembly District, consisting of parts of St. Croix, Pierce and Dunn counties.