State bill hopes to combat nurse shortage in Wisconsin

MADISON (CBS58)-- Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) introduced the CNA Pay Act, which would increase wages and expand access to training for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).

Currently, there are 11,500 currently vacant personal care worker positions in Wisconsin.

LRB-4743 would create a tax credit for tuition costs for CNAs. After working for 1 year as a CNA, an individual can claim a one-time $1500 capped refundable tax credit for the cost of CNA training.

LRB-4744 would provide $500,000 annually to give grants to technical colleges in order to expand access to CNA training in underserved areas.

LRB-4745 would increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for personal care services by accepting the Federal Medicaid expansion dollars.