Author: Michelle Felber

Resources for Retirement Planning

Proposed changes in state employee benefits have led many faculty to contact PROFS with questions about how these changes may affect them as individuals. While we cannot offer personal advice, we can encourage you to consult the many resources available…

Rep. Vos: UW-Madison unlikely to be spun off from System

Speaking with Mike Gousha on UpFront, State Representative Robin Vos (R-Burlington) said that while he agrees with the governor’s plan to offer UW-Madison greater flexibility, he does not think a spin-off is likely to be approved (video here): I am…

Faculty Senate Resolution

The Faculty Senate met on Monday, April 4 and overwhelmingly supported a resolution in support of academic freedom. The resolution specifically calls on Chancellor Biddy Martin to defend the academic freedom rights of the faculty and to take a leadership…

Resources for Understanding the 2011-13 State Budget

Public hearings on the proposed 2011-13 Wisconsin biennial budget conclude on Wednesday, and the budget process is well underway. Soon afterward, the Joint Finance Committee will issue its rules and convene in executive session to discuss the budget. This memo…

Joint Finance Committee Update

The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee began budget briefings today. The briefings are designed for agency heads to discuss the governor’s budget proposal and take questions from members of the committee. Public testimony is not heard. The hearings take place in…

What Would Public Authority Mean for the Wisconsin Idea?

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is hosting an open forum to discuss the Wisconsin Idea and public authority status for the university on Wednesday, March 30 at 4 pm in Room 22 Ingraham Hall. Panelists include: Professor Emeritus…

Proposed University of Wisconsin-Madison Board of Trustees

If UW-Madison is to become a public authority as outlined in Governor Scott Walker’s 2011-13 state budget proposal, it will be governed by a 21-member Board of Trustees. Statutory language regarding the proposed board is here, beginning on page 521.…

Governor Scott Walker’s 2011-13 Capital Budget

Governor Scott Walker announced a $1.1 billion 2011-13 capital budget last week, and it included several projects on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The budget is about 30 percent smaller than the current capital budget. It was referred to the…

Budget Repair Bill Passes Without Democrats

Stripping the original budget repair bill of its fiscal items, the Wisconsin State Senate passed an amended conference committee version of the bill last night, effectively eliminating collective bargaining for public workers. The bill passed 18-1, with no Democrats present.…