The Wisconsin Partnership: Turning Policy Wins into Real Impact

By Benjamin Porter, State Director of the Wisconsin Partnership

Every child in Wisconsin deserves the chance to thrive – in school, in their community and in life. That vision drives the Wisconsin Partnership, a coalition of four local organizations who are working together to support children and families across the state.

Since relaunching in 2024, the partnership has grown into a powerful force for change. This year, we celebrated a major milestone, securing $380 million in investments through the biennial state budget, including $330 million in new funding. These dollars – which are bolstering child care centers, supporting families, expanding community-based 4K and strengthening early literacy – are tangible wins for a struggling sector, reflecting the policy agenda we’ve worked tirelessly to advance.

These achievements didn’t happen overnight. They’re the result of collective action – of communities organizing, educators sharing their stories and partners coordinating their efforts for the greatest possible impact. By combining data, lived experience and a shared commitment to equity, we’re proving what’s possible when Wisconsin joins forces to fight for our kids.

Yet our work is far from over. While these investments are vital, they’re just the beginning. With bridge payments and increased child care subsidy rates set to expire before the next budget cycle, the sector remains at risk. We need continued public investment to build a sustainable system that supports the development and well-being of our youngest learners. That’s why, looking ahead, we’ll focus not only on maintaining these critical investments and supporting their implementation, but also engaging the business sector and empowering our partners to effectively advocate for change.

When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Partnership is proud to keep leading this movement, building stronger communities and brighter futures for our kids.

Who We Are

The Wisconsin Partnership brings together Milwaukee Succeeds, Achieve Brown County, Higher Expectations for Racine County and Building Our Future in Kenosha. United by a shared mission, we work together to drive meaningful change in early childhood education, support families and create opportunities that help every child reach their full potential.