Wisconsin Allocates Large Amount of Money to Economic Development

Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 -- 1:00 PM

(By Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio) Wisconsin allocated a bigger chunk of federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act to economic development than any other state, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy.

According to Joe Schulz with Wisconsin Public Radio, the study found that nearly 56 percent of Wisconsin's ARPA funds were spent to promote the economy, which equates to about $1.1 billion. The next closest state allocated 38 percent for economic development.

The Center on Budget and Policy examined how states spent ARPA dollars through Aug. 31, 2022. According to the report, common uses for ARPA dollars by states nationally included replacing lost revenue, and spending on human services and unemployment insurance.

Of the $1.1 billion Wisconsin allocated toward the economy, $363.3 million was spent on general economic development, $130 million for workforce development and $641.7 million for assistance to businesses, the study said.

Wisconsin also spent $100 million on broadband expansion, $112.9 million on health, $56 million on human services, $45 million on public safety and $550 million on state operations, according to the study.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.