By Senator Kelda Helen Roys | May 2026
I know firsthand how difficult it is to raise children in an environment where the cost of everything is soaring. Like all Americans, kids in Wisconsin should have the opportunity to build a great life here in our state, and it should never depend on where they live or how much money their parents have. Wisconsin has some of the most significant racial wealth disparities in the nation. Baby Bonds offer a way to change that, giving low-income children the resources to dream, grow, and successfully navigate the transition to adulthood.
I am State Senator Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison), representing Madison and Dane County in Wisconsin. As a legislative leader, small business owner, attorney, and mom and stepmom of five wild, wonderful kids, I will always support policies that put children first.
This session, I authored SB1008/AB1022 alongside Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa). As readers of Baby Blogs know well, this is a powerful idea to help address the wealth gap, which has already received bipartisan support across the nation. Our legislation would deposit $3,000 into a trust fund for each baby born to a Medicaid-eligible family. The account would be invested and managed by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), a public agency that manages the state’s pension fund. As it grows, the fund should be worth several times the initial investment.
When the child turns 18, and until they turn 30, they can access these funds for specified purposes, including purchasing a home, pursuing post-secondary education, starting a business, contributing to a retirement savings account, funding child care, or investing in a child’s education.
The Department of Financial Institutions will field applications and verify that the beneficiary is 18 years old, a current resident (or their parent is), has completed a financial literacy course, and has indicated the distribution of funds to an approved purpose. The distributions are exempt from state income tax, which is crucial for a young person working to make a meaningful impact in their future.
I recently had the opportunity to host a panel at the Wisconsin State Capitol with national experts on economic justice and poverty. The panelists detailed the early success of similar Baby Bonds programs in other states, including Connecticut. It was a joy to have David Radcliffe from the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, Thea Garon from Urban Institute, and Carte’cia Weaver, a Senior Policy Analyst and Advocate, to discuss this policy. We had a great discussion and fielded many questions from legislators, staff, and advocates.
On their own, Baby Bonds cannot solve every challenge low-income children and families face. But paired with policies that support families—like paid family leave, affordable child care, strong public schools, and access to early childhood education—they can become a powerful tool for expanding opportunity and improving long-term outcomes.
Every child in Wisconsin deserves the chance to build a stable future, regardless of the wealth they are born into. Baby Bonds are one way we can begin making that promise real.
Kelda Helen Roys is a Wisconsin State Senator representing Madison and Dane County. A state senator, small business owner, attorney, and mom and stepmom of 5, Kelda is relentlessly focused on building a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive.
Senator Roys always loves hearing ideas and feedback, so please email (sen.roys@legis.wi.gov) or call her office (608-266-1627).