MADISON, Wis. (WEAU) – Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are announcing the Evers Administration is secured over $11 million from the U.S. Department of Education to support DWD’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, enabling the department to serve all eligible participants without the need to restart a waitlist through federal fiscal year 2027.
According to a press release from Gov. Evers, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation was unable to provide services to new participants for six months, leaving roughly 7,600 Wisconsinites on the waitlist as of June 2, 2026, when the state budget committee—the Joint Committee on Finance—finally approved the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s request for additional state funding to end the waitlist.
“Wisconsin is leading the way when it comes to bolstering the workforce and pushing the boundaries of a growing 21st-century economy, and a big part of that success includes connecting folks of all abilities to rewarding careers and job opportunities,” said Gov. Evers. “Securing this funding is a big win for our state, and I want to thank the dedicated folks who fought hard to see this budget shortfall righted, worked to do the right thing, and helped ensure folks across the state will receive the services they need.”
The press release goes on to say with this additional $11 million from the U.S. Department of Education, DWD has sufficient federal funds to meet demand for services through Oct. 1, 2027, based on current projection.
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