Wisconsin Association of Family & Children's Agencies

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
WAFCA is a member association that works to improve the lives of families and children in Wisconsin. Our member agencies provide a wide array of prevention and supportive services such as home visiting, foster care, counseling, and mental health and substance use treatment. WAFCA represents over 50 child and family serving agencies and leaders in the field and advocates for the more than 200,000 individuals and families that they serve each year.

Lobbying Interests:
Health and human services and educational policy and funding issues affecting the delivery of mental health, child welfare and support services to individuals, children and families.

CEO Name:
Kathy Markeland

Contact
KM
Kathy Markeland
PO Box 14663
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 257-5939
kmarkeland@wafca.org
http://www.wafca.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
Katie White Exclusive Duties Yes Authorized On 12/26/2024 Withdrawn On N/A
Ramie Zelenkova Exclusive Duties Yes Authorized On 12/26/2024 Withdrawn On N/A
Kathy Markeland Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 12/26/2024 Withdrawn On N/A

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 49
Assembly Bill 49
Relating to: a minor’s authority to consent to health care.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/11/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 80
Assembly Bill 80
Relating to: ratification of the Social Work Licensure Compact. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/11/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 97
Assembly Bill 97
Relating to: extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/11/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 111
Assembly Bill 111
Relating to: psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/12/2025
First Communication Date
4/30/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 112
Assembly Bill 112
Relating to: consent to mental health treatment by minors who are age 14 or older.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 113
Assembly Bill 113
Relating to: sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 114
Assembly Bill 114
Relating to: clinician initiation of emergency detention of a minor and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 115
Assembly Bill 115
Relating to: authorizing youth behavioral health program under the Medical Assistance program and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/12/2025
First Communication Date
4/30/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 116
Assembly Bill 116
Relating to: transportation of minors for emergency detention.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 163
Assembly Bill 163
Relating to: redeterminations of eligibility for the Medical Assistance program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/9/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 178
Assembly Bill 178
Relating to: expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/30/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 233
Assembly Bill 233
Relating to: grants to child advocacy centers. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/7/2025
First Communication Date
5/7/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 260
Assembly Bill 260
Relating to: a pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WAFCA supports investments to advance the comprehensive model of school mental health including new funding through grants, Medicaid, health insurance, and county/community/school partnerships to better connect home and school mental health supports.
Assembly Bill 303
Assembly Bill 303
Relating to: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline grants. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/9/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 23
Senate Bill 23
Relating to: extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/10/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 70
Senate Bill 70
Relating to: a minor’s authority to consent to health care.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/11/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 74
Senate Bill 74
Relating to: ratification of the Social Work Licensure Compact. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/11/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 106
Senate Bill 106
Relating to: psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/12/2025
First Communication Date
4/30/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 107
Senate Bill 107
Relating to: consent to mental health treatment by minors who are age 14 or older.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 108
Senate Bill 108
Relating to: sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 109
Senate Bill 109
Relating to: clinician initiation of emergency detention of a minor and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 110
Senate Bill 110
Relating to: authorizing youth behavioral health program under the Medical Assistance program and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/12/2025
First Communication Date
4/30/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 111
Senate Bill 111
Relating to: transportation of minors for emergency detention.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 153
Senate Bill 153
Relating to: expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/30/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 232
Senate Bill 232
Relating to: grants to child advocacy centers. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/7/2025
First Communication Date
5/7/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 245
Senate Bill 245
Relating to: a pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/27/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WAFCA supports investments to advance the comprehensive model of school mental health including new funding through grants, Medicaid, health insurance, and county/community/school partnerships to better connect home and school mental health supports.
Senate Bill 307
Senate Bill 307
Relating to: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline grants. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/9/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Budget Bill Subjects

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Children and Families: Children and Family Services
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Children and Families: Children and Family Services

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Children and Families: Departmentwide
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Children and Families: Departmentwide

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Health Services: Departmentwide
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Health Services: Departmentwide

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Health Services: Medicaid Services
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Health Services: Medicaid Services

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Health Services: Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services; Facilities
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Health Services: Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services; Facilities

Notification Date
6/19/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Health Services: Quality Assurance Services Planning, Regulation and Delivery
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Health Services: Quality Assurance Services Planning, Regulation and Delivery

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Insurance: Departmentwide
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Insurance: Departmentwide

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Insurance: Supervision of the Insurance Industry
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Insurance: Supervision of the Insurance Industry

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Public Instruction: Aids to Libraries, Individuals and Organizations
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Public Instruction: Aids to Libraries, Individuals and Organizations

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Safety and Professional Services: Professional Regulation and Administrative Services
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Safety and Professional Services: Professional Regulation and Administrative Services

Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

Extension of kinship care and long-term kinship care payments to like-kin and the definition of out-of-home care in child welfare rules
Agency Name
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Subject
Extension of kinship care and long-term kinship care payments to like-kin and the definition of out-of-home care in child welfare rules
Scope Statement
SS 079_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Group home licensing
Agency Name
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Subject
Group home licensing
Scope Statement
SS 109_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Community substance use services standards; medical assistance certification and reimbursement for certain substance use services
Agency Name
Department of Health Services (DHS)
Subject
Community substance use services standards; medical assistance certification and reimbursement for certain substance use services
Scope Statement
SS 047_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Creation of peer recovery coach certification and overdose treatment covered services
Agency Name
Department of Health Services (DHS)
Subject
Creation of peer recovery coach certification and overdose treatment covered services
Scope Statement
SS 074_22
For
Notification Date
2/23/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Crisis urgent care and observation facilities
Agency Name
Department of Health Services (DHS)
Subject
Crisis urgent care and observation facilities
Scope Statement
SS 070_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/26/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Continuing education
Agency Name
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board (MPSW)
Subject
Continuing education
Scope Statement
SS 103_23
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/26/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Counseling compact
Agency Name
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board (MPSW)
Subject
Counseling compact
Scope Statement
SS 052_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/26/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Supervised practice
Agency Name
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board (MPSW)
Subject
Supervised practice
Scope Statement
SS 018_24
Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/26/2025
First Communication Date
1/22/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

School-based mental health
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
School-based mental health

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
1/10/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Human services program funding, policy and regulation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Human services program funding, policy and regulation

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Child welfare funding, policy and regulation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Child welfare funding, policy and regulation

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
1/10/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Adoption supports and services
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Adoption supports and services

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Regulation of behavioral health professionals
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Regulation of behavioral health professionals

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Mental health reforms
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Mental health reforms

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Prevention Services Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Prevention Services Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
1/10/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
1/10/2025
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Improving safety measures and extending civil action protections in out-of-home care settings
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Improving safety measures and extending civil action protections in out-of-home care settings

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Returning 17 year-olds to juvenile court
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Returning 17 year-olds to juvenile court

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/25/2025
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Total Lobbying Effort

No certified reports found.

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

No legislative bills/resolutions found.

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

No topics found.

Minor Efforts

No minor efforts found.

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures