Legislative Priorities and Actions 2023-2025

Wisconsin’s creative sector is a $11.9 billion industry, according to the US Department of Commerce and National Endowment for the Arts, encompassing over 89,000 jobs - more jobs than the state’s beer, biotech and papermaking industries. Investment in the creative sector will help grow and stabilize Wisconsin’s creative economy, workforce, and communities. Wisconsin’s arts and cultural assets are more important than ever to revitalize the economy, develop a 21st century workforce and incubate, attract and retain talent, provide opportunities for all, and help our communities, large and small, thrive.

Local leaders throughout the state understand that investments in cultural and artistic assets will help their communities thrive. But Wisconsin has lagged in investment in its creative economy, especially among its Midwest neighbors. Although the creative sector is a $11.9 million economic driver for Wisconsin, the state’s 0.14 cents per capita spending for arts and culture in 2022, was the lowest in the nation and far below Minnesota’s $7.34 per capita. Destination Iowa, established in 2022 is a $100 million investment to bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s communities and attract visitors and new residents to the state. 

Significant strides forward have been made for Wisconsin’s creative sector and the residents of the state so far. This Action Center is the go-to place for news, updates, resources, and ideas. This is a fluid process and things can change quickly, so check back frequently and get in touch with Create Wisconsin with your questions and comments.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2024

ACTIONS:

  • Thank Governor Evers for including arts priorities in his 2023-2025 budget and ask him to support those priorities in the 2025-2027 budget. Here are ways to send your opinion:

    • Via the Governor’s website (template message coming soon)

    • Send a handwritten note or a letter on organization/business stationary to The Honorable Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin, PO Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707.

  • Encourage your state senator and state assembly person to support investment in the arts, culture, and creativity in your district and statewide. Click here for legislative contact info.

  • Create Wisconsin is organizing regular advocacy updates and trainings , in-person and Zoom meetings with legislators, legislative hearings, op-ed templates, template  messages, and many other ways to make the case that investment in creativity is a win for Wisconsin.  Watch this action page and social media (Facebook |Twitter | Instagram) for info as we have it.

  • Spread the word and get your colleagues, friends, family, neighbors, and everyone who cares about Wisconsin’s future, to speak up!

STATE BUDGET 2025-2027 PROCESS TIMELINE:

  • September 2024: State agencies provide their budget requests to the governor through the Department of Administration.  The governor reviews the requests.

  • Tuesday, November 5: Election Day (President and Vice President, Congress, State Senate and Assembly)

  • February 2025: (odd-numbered year) The governor proposes the executive biennial budget. 

  • March 2025: The governor releases capital budget.  The capital budget allocates money for the creation, acquisition, or maintenance of fixed assets such as land, buildings, and equipment.

  • April – May 2025: The legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) holds hearings and modifies the governor’s biennial budget and capital budget.  

  • Create Wisconsin will organize testimony at JFC hearings around the state, and in-district meetings with legislators, in March and April 2025.

  • Create Wisconsin Day will happen in March or April 2025. Stay tuned!

  • June 2025: Assembly and Senate act/vote on the budget.

  • June 2025: Governor signs budgets; issues vetoes. The 2025-2027 state biennial budget should be in place at the beginning of the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2025.  There have been times when the budget process has gone well beyond July 1.  It is important to note that state government does not shut down like the federal government.  State agencies continue using the previous year’s budget numbers until the new budget is in place.

RESOURCES: