The update below was shared with senators and guests at the Faculty Senate meeting yesterday. The Senate meets in Room 272 Bascom Hall at 3:30 pm on the first Monday of the month, October-December and February-May.
Legislative Update
The Legislature has concluded its last regular session, but Governor Tony Evers called a special session on partisan gerrymandering last month. No action has been taken, but the session remains open. The governor and Republican legislative leaders are also thought to be negotiating an agreement to provide property tax relief and additional K-12 funding using a portion of the state’s projected $2.5 billion budget surplus.
Fall Elections
Candidates wishing to run for statewide or legislative races in Wisconsin must file valid nomination papers by June 1, and the fall primary election is Tuesday, August 11. After the adoption of newly-drawn legislative maps and more than 15 Republican legislators choosing to not run again, both parties have a chance of gaining control of the Assembly or Senate, or both. While eight Democrats are currently running for governor, Republicans have put their support behind Congressman Tom Tiffany of Minocqua.
PROFS plans to host one or more candidate forums in Dane County area legislative districts this summer. We will also reach out to the gubernatorial candidates to learn more about their positions on higher education and related issues.