Earlier this week, State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and State Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced two bills aimed to expand access to nurse aide training and address the nursing shortage.

 “Nurse aides provide an invaluable service to our community and their work often goes unappreciated. I’m introducing this legislation to support Wisconsinites interested in pursuing a career in this selfless line of work. I’m hopeful these bills will help more dedicated individuals gain the skills to be nurse aides and help address the shortage in our state,” said Sen. Smith in a press release.

 LRB-5730 makes grants available to technical college district boards in areas with nurse aide shortages to expand access to nurse aide training. LRB-5729 creates a refundable individual income tax credit up to $1,500 for instructional costs and required materials for individuals becoming a certified nursing assistant.