MADISON, Wis. — Individuals who have lost their homes due to Hurricane Helene or the wildfires in California may be eligible for a significant tax incentive to relocate to Wisconsin.
Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have introduced a proposal that would provide a $10,000 income tax credit for the 2025 tax year to anyone moving to the state from North Carolina or Los Angeles County as a result of these disasters. However, individuals with felony convictions would not qualify for this benefit.
The proposal, spearheaded by state Representative Cindi Duchow and state Senator Dan Feyen, aims to attract new residents to Wisconsin while addressing ongoing workforce shortages, especially in the healthcare sector. A task force established by Democratic Governor Tony Evers to analyze the state’s labor shortage recently reported that Wisconsin may face a shortfall of up to 19,000 registered nurses by 2040, alongside approximately 32,000 job openings in healthcare over the next five years.
In their memo to colleagues soliciting co-sponsors, the bill’s authors highlighted the issues caused by Hurricane Helene and the California wildfires, stating, “Hurricane Helene created massive flooding issues in Appalachia, and the devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles County have displaced thousands of people from their homes.” They noted that many individuals have lost nearly all their belongings and will have to rebuild their lives. They argued that this presents an opportunity to encourage skilled workers displaced from North Carolina and California to consider moving to Wisconsin.
The likelihood of the bill passing remains uncertain.
Representatives for Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Republican Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not respond promptly to inquiries regarding the possible vote on the proposal. Governor Evers’ spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, also did not provide immediate feedback on what the governor might decide should the bill reach his desk, particularly given the significant divide that has emerged between Evers and Republican leaders since he took office in 2019.
Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in the southeastern United States in September, resulting in over 230 fatalities, with at least 106 in North Carolina as reported by that state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Last month, wildfires in Los Angeles County destroyed countless residences, businesses, and vehicles, claiming at least 29 lives.
Spokespeople for North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein and California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the Wisconsin tax credit proposal.
