Wisconsin’s Legislative Joint Finance Committee (JFC) approved the allocation of $5 million in the state budget to support nurse faculty shortage. The $5 million will be used to support nurses pursuing a Master’s Degree  in Nursing in Nursing Education, a DNP or PhD with a commitment to teach in a Wisconsin School of Nursing for three years.  The interested nurse will apply for the loans through Wisconsin’s Higher Education Aids Board. The next step is once JFC votes  all of the budget categories it will go to the full legislative bodies for a vote.  It will then go to the Governor for approval.

We are pleased to report that 23 legislators signed on as co-sponsors to the  APRN Modernization Act legislative proposal.  The next step is for the two bills will receive a bill number and Committee assignment.  The Chairs of the assigned Committees will schedule public hearings on the bills.  WNA will notify you when the hearings are scheduled.

Thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators asking for their support on these two very important legislative initiatives.