The state of Wisconsin has established a scholarship program for the training of professional drivers.

Governor Tony Evers signed a law requiring the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to establish and administer the grant program, and the new law is already in effect.

Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) was the catalyst that helped get the bill through the state legislature.

He said the new program provides grants to cover the cost of training to become a professional driver and “helps us fill family-sustaining jobs that our companies depend on.”

Wimberger’s bill specifies that a CDL training provider must meet the entry-level driver training requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The amount of grants awarded is limited to a maximum of 50% of the training costs or US$3,000 (whichever is less) per person trained.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development is required to declare the number and amount of grants awarded under the grant program. A draft bill states that money for the program is set aside in the Joint Finance Committee’s supplementary appropriations.

Eligible training providers

Eligible CDL training providers located in Wisconsin who provide training are eligible to apply for a grant. Training providers must train individuals who reside in Wisconsin and earn their CDL there.

According to a financial estimate attached to the bill, there are more than 600 training facilities with locations in Wisconsin listed in the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

DWD is working with the state Department of Transportation and FMCSA to assist in determining applicant eligibility for the grant program.

The program expires on July 1, 2025. The state parliament would have to renew the program.

Importance of truck traffic in the state praised

A year ago, more than 660 million tons of freight were shipped in Wisconsin. Nearly two-thirds of that freight was transported by truck, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said at a recent hearing. The total value of the freight was estimated at nearly $400 billion at the time.

Wimberger told the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technical Colleges that the grant program is necessary to increase the number of professional drivers licensed in the state.

“Without dedicated and skilled truck drivers, many important, time-critical products and services would come to a standstill,” he said.

He added that his bill is even more important because new federal guidelines have increased the requirements for those allowed to offer CDL training.

Wimberger also said it is important that state law favors driver education programs, noting that current tuition for the affected programs is $4,000. LL

More landline coverage from Wisconsin News is available.