MADISON, WI (March 20, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Wisconsin’s leading small business advocacy organization, expressed deep opposition and concern related to the circulation of legislation in the State Assembly that would create government run grocery centers.
Four legislators in the State Assembly recently circulated their proposal known as the “Wisconsin Public Grocery Store Act.” The legislation would create government-run grocery stores, funding by $100 million in taxpayer money.
“President Reagan rightly proclaimed that the most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help,” said NFIB State Director Luke Bacher. “Government running businesses to compete with the private sector is not only a terrible idea but is also a dangerous threat free market capitalism.”
The bill creates another government agency and mandates that larger retail stores provide a range of additional services far beyond your typical grocery store, including; offering hot prepared foods, a cafeteria with seating, a coffee shop, an on-site bakery, a pharmacy, a community center, a study or quiet work area, development of affordable public or social housing, or on-site access to health care, mental health services, and child care.
“This is classic socialist overreach dressed up as compassion—and it’s dead wrong. Free markets and small businesses have fed Wisconsin better than any government ever could,” explained Bacher. “These crazy Soviet-era ideas may have an audience in California or New York, but they should not be imported to our Wisconsin.”
