State budget update

August 14, 2025

Contact: Benson Gardner, communications and development manager, bgardner@wistaf.org

Though it isn't good news for those who need civil legal assistance and cannot afford attorneys, the 2025-2027 Wisconsin Biennial Budget does not include an increase in civil legal aid funding. However, regardless of the final result the civil legal aid community made great strides. 

After an exceptionally energetic and coordinated effort, our coalition's proposal made it closer to the finish line than in any other recent budget cycle. We had majority-party sponsors of our proposal in both houses. One factor in our eventual defeat was likely that negotiations between the Legislature and Governor's office took an unexpected path due largely to urgency caused by the unprecedented federal landscape.

In each of the last three budget cycles, our coalition has improved its efficiency and effectiveness in working together. More civil legal aid providers engaged deeply in the advocacy process this year than ever. It is surely only a matter of time until we hit home with the truth that addressing people's civil legal needs is less expensive than not doing so -- and is also the right thing to do.

WisTAF thanks everyone who contacted their Wisconsin representatives and senators as part of the statewide effort. You are part of an ongoing project which is moving ever closer to success. The more legislative offices hear about the need to increase access to justice, the faster we'll make our goal.