SB 473

This bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to establish a

program for the placement of paid interns with Wisconsin businesses. Under the bill,

each intern must be at least 18 years old, be enrolled in an institution of higher

education, and come from a household whose income does not exceed 300 percent of

the federal poverty line based on family size. Each intern must be paid a stipend of

at least $15 per hour, which may be paid for up to 20 hours per week of work for work

performed during certain periods set forth in the bill that correspond to the academic

school year. The bill requires that the stipend be disregarded in establishing

household income for purposes of obtaining public benefits under any state program.

Additionally, the bill requires DWD to seek to coordinate with the private sector to

administer the intern placement program and to provide matching funds for

purposes of paying intern stipends. The bill appropriates $500,000 to DWD for the

program.