Category: The state

2015-17 Budget Passes Legislature, Awaiting Gubernatorial Approval

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Capitol_dome_fall05_13988Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature approved the 2015-17 biennial budget (Senate Bill 21) this week, sending the bill to Governor Scott Walker for his approval. The governor has not indicated if he will use his extensive veto powers to eliminate or change any sections of the proposal, but quick action is expected as Walker has said he would like the budget completed before he formally announces his run for the presidency.

The budget cuts $250 million from the University of Wisconsin System, removes tenure protections and shared governance language from state statutes, outlines new procedures to fire tenured professors, and freezes in-state tuition for two years. Walker originally asked for a $300 million budget cut and full public authority for UW System.

PROFS lobbied vigorously against the tenure and shared governance proposals and massive budget cuts, communicating with members of the Joint Finance Committee and sharing formal statements on the budget and tenure with the entire legislature.

Yesterday, Chancellor Rebecca Blank sent two letters to Governor Walker requesting vetoes relating to tenure and shared governance and indefinite academic staff appointments:

Tenure and Shared Governance

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Indefinite Academic Staff Appointments

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July Regent Meeting

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uw system logoThe University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will meet at UW-Madison, Thursday July 9. The meeting will be held in room 1820 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, and is open to the public. Livestream coverage is available here.

The Business and Finance and Capital Planning and Budget Committees will meet briefly before the full board meets at 9 am. The full board will hear an update on the 2015-17 biennial budget, including an update addressing tenure in Regent Policy Documents (no documents offered).

The 2015-16 operating budget including fees and tuition rates and estimated expenditures is here. UW-Madison will see a $20.45 million reduction to the 2015-16 operating base budget (p.13)

In the afternoon, President Ray Cross will offer a brief overview of the UW System strategic planning process, board members will participate in an in-depth discussion on UW System’s role in developing global leaders, and student government leaders from UW Colleges, UW-Platteville, and UW-Stevens Point share thoughts on the roles and responsibilities of student government.

 

Chancellor Blank on UpFront with Mike Gousha

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Chancellor Rebecca Blank appeared on UpFront with Mike Gousha, a public affairs show, on Sunday, June 14. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) appeared in a separate segment and addressed questions about proposed tenure changes for University of Wisconsin System faculty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2S_i2nbfOw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS9dl5FkpUg

Joint Finance to Discuss UW System Friday, May 29

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Joint Finance Committee Hearing RoomThe Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to meet at 10 am tomorrow, Friday, May 29 in Room 412 East in the State Capitol.

Livestream coverage is available on WisconsinEye. Links to Legislative Fiscal Bureau budget papers are here.

First on the agenda is the University of Wisconsin System. The committee must decide if they will adopt Governor Scott Walker’s proposal to slash UW System funding by $300 million over the biennium. Legislative leaders have already said they oppose transforming UW System into a public authority.

Other UW System items on the agenda:

The committee will also discuss the Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation and Revenue and consider changes to sales and income taxes. Funding for the Milwaukee Bucks arena in Milwaukee rounds out the agenda.

PROFS is carefully monitoring the UW System budget discussion and continues to lobby members of the Joint Finance Committee for the best possible budget for the university and its faculty.

Follow PROFS on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information.

 

Joint Finance Committee to Meet Wednesday, May 27

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The Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27 in Room 412 East in the State Capitol. Livestream coverage is available on WisconsinEye. Links to Legislative Fiscal Bureau budget papers are here.

Executive action will be taken on the following topics:

Blood Withdrawals — Intoxicated and Reckless Flying Violations
Building Commission
Building Program
Program Supplements
Department of Administration
Department of Tourism
Department of Workforce Development — Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance
Department of Health Services — Long-Term Care Services

PROFS continues to lobby for the inclusion of the Chemistry Building project which may come up tomorrow as part of the State Building Commission/Building Program discussion.