State appropriations of federal funds

Recurring

Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF)

Wisconsin’s lawmakers and governor began investing a modest annual amount in federal Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) funding, starting in the 2015-2017 state budget. The support comes through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families for a WisTAF-administered grant program that provides legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

One-time

American Rescue Plan Act – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA – SLFRF)

After advocacy from WisTAF and our civil legal aid partners, Gov. Tony Evers used this flexible COVID-19 relief funding to make a significant, one-time-only investment in civil legal aid for COVID-related issues, and a lesser allocation to support the development of the Wisconsin Law Help portal. WisTAF was chosen to administer both grants under the auspices of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

American Rescue Plan Act – Homeowner Assistance Fund (ARPA – HAF)

This distinct COVID-19 relief fund allowed the State to create the limited-term Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, within which WisTAF administers the Legal Services component. The Wisconsin Community Action Program Association manages the overall project under the auspices of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. 

Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act (ASA)

In 2022, the U.S. Congress provided a one-time allocation to help Afghan evacuees in Wisconsin secure their safety and stability by addressing related legal tangles. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) tapped WisTAF to administer the funds which flow from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement through DCF's Bureau of Refugee Programs to WisTAF.

Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act (AUSAA)

Building on WisTAF's successful administration of Afghan Immigration-related Legal Assistance, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Familes contracted with WisTAF to administer a similar grant program, using funding authorized by Congress in 2022, that assists Ukrainian refugees with civil legal needs related to immigration.