Governor Tony Evers has vetoed legislation requiring Wisconsin to share food assistance data with federal officials, drawing criticism from Republicans who argue the move blocks efforts to root out fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.
The bill, authored by Rep. Nate Gustafson (R–Omro) and Sen. Chris Kapenga (R–Delafield), would have required the Department of Health Services to compile and transmit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data—known as FoodShare in Wisconsin—to the U.S. Department of Agriculture within six months. The request stems from a federal directive aimed at identifying improper payments and strengthening oversight of the program, which provides food benefits to low-income households. While benefits are federally funded, administrative costs are shared with the states.
Evers defended his veto by arguing that Wisconsin’s system is already functioning effectively. In a November UPFRONT interview, Evers said FoodShare is “analyzed every single year,” and that officials “feel confident in it,” adding that the program is “working just fine.” That assurance has become a central point of contention, with critics questioning why the state would refuse to provide data if the system can withstand federal scrutiny.
The decision could also carry financial consequences. Federal officials have warned that states that refuse to comply with the data-sharing directive could risk losing administrative funding tied to SNAP—support totaling tens of millions of dollars annually for Wisconsin. Supporters of the bill argue that compliance is a basic step toward accountability in a taxpayer-funded program.
Concerns about fraud are not theoretical. Earlier this year, a Milwaukee-area convenience store owner pleaded guilty to a $1.6 million SNAP fraud scheme, exchanging benefits for cash while billing the government for the full amount. The operation ran for years and funded personal expenses, including travel and luxury purchases—an example, critics say, that underscores the need for stronger oversight and coordination with federal authorities.
Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate, Tom Tiffany, has pledged that he “will stop fraudsters from stealing your hard-earned money,” while vowing to audit every government program and agency if elected Governor.
The issue has also drawn national attention. During a recent campaign stop in Wisconsin, Vice President JD Vance slammed Evers’ refusal to turn over the data, questioning why the state would not cooperate with efforts to eliminate fraud. “Ask yourself, why would the government of Wisconsin not want to help us kick fraud off the welfare rolls and voter rolls?” Vance said. “And the only answer I can possibly come up with is they want to cheat.”
Evers and his allies have framed the federal request as overreach, raising concerns about privacy and federal involvement. But opponents of the veto say the question is simpler: whether the state is willing to cooperate with efforts to ensure public benefits are not being abused.
With the veto now in place, that debate is likely to continue—along with a lingering question from critics: if Wisconsin’s SNAP system is “working just fine,” why not prove it?
