Wisconsin Republicans unveiled a bold plan to attract victims of Hurricane Helene and California wildfires with a $10,000 income tax credit for relocating to the Dairy State. The proposal targets displaced residents from North Carolina and Los Angeles County who lost homes in these disasters, excluding convicted felons from eligibility.
Sponsors Rep. Cindi Duchow and Sen. Dan Feyen argue this incentive addresses Wisconsin’s critical healthcare workforce shortages. A recent state task force report projects a deficit of 19,000 nurses by 2040 and 32,000 annual healthcare job openings through 2029.
“Why not incentivize skilled workers forced to leave disaster zones to rebuild their lives here?” lawmakers wrote in a memo.
The bill emerges as Wisconsin grapples with:
- A 19,000-nurse shortage projected by 2040
- 32,000 annual healthcare vacancies through 2029
- Competitive labor markets nationwide
Political hurdles loom large. Governor Tony Evers’ office hasn’t commented on the proposal, but historical tensions with GOP legislators suggest potential veto risks. Hurricane Helene caused 106 deaths in North Carolina alone, while California wildfires killed 29 and destroyed thousands of structures last month.
With no commitments from legislative leaders for floor votes, the proposal’s future remains uncertain. Analysts suggest its success hinges on bipartisan recognition of Wisconsin’s workforce emergency as disasters increasingly displace skilled workers nationwide.