On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers took the lead in a group of 26 bipartisan governors to send a letter urging the passing of the Strengthening State and Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act.
The proposed legislation aims to enhance the capacity of state, Tribal, and local child support agencies in providing assistance to families.
According to officials, contractors in Wisconsin presently have access to FTI to assist in the Federal Tax Offset Refund program. This program enables states to seize the tax refunds of delinquent parents who owe child support payments.
However, the access granted to these contractors is set to expire on October 1. In support of these contractors, Governor Evers has signed a letter advocating for their continued access to tax information.
According to experts, federal tax offset helped collect over $1.6 billion in child support obligations in the fiscal year 2023. Shockingly, only a small fraction of this amount, just $32.5 million, made its way to Wisconsin families, as reported by officials.
Failing to pass this proposed legislation will lead to a further increase in the funding discrepancy.
In regards to the program’s impact on children, Governor Tony Evers provided his insight.
According to Governor Evers, the child support program in Wisconsin plays a crucial role in providing the necessary support to every child for their growth and success. However, the current federal law hinders contractors and Tribal child support agencies from accessing federal tax information, which puts millions of families at risk.
Wisconsin families could potentially lose millions of dollars if the legislation is not approved by October, according to officials.
Read More:
- ‘Angry’ migrant shot another migrant outside the ‘Salt Shed’ shelter, prosecutors said
- Bears allow Jonathan Owens to leave training camp for a week to support his wife Simone Biles in the Olympics