WCCF’s analysis of trends in Wisconsin Shares shows a decline in most areas:
Children served: Decrease of 9,444 children served since 2009 (-9.5%)
Per-Child payments: $82 reduction (-16.8%) in average monthly payment per child since 2009.
Child care programs participating: A drop of 2,592 child care programs participating (-32%) over four years.
Wisconsin Shares budget: The Governor’s proposed Wisconsin Shares budget for the 2013-15 biennium is the lowest since 2003, cutting child care funding by $35 million.
While some of the trends are influenced by the recent recession or are the result of aggressive anti-fraud efforts and and cost saving strategies, much of the decline is the direct result of public policy decisions.
The policies appear to be driving parents AND child care programs out of Wisconsin Shares: parents because they have to contribute much more than their normal co-pay since the rates don’t cover child care prices; and programs because they cannot afford to take a loss by serving Wisconsin Shares children.
The combined effects appear to be a troubling decline in the child care subsidy program that was once a model for other states. Has anti-fraud fervor led to a deteriorating system, harming working families, children, and solid programs?
For more details, please see Key Data: Wisconsin Shares Trends.
