UW–Madison and the State Budget

Budget News

• State budget committee approves additional System funding

  October 2, 2019

  The state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance today unanimously approved $45 million in outcomes-based funding for UW System schools. The committee approved dispersing $22.5 million in each year of the biennium (2019-2021).

  In addition, the panel also approved a proposal to fund a Dairy Innovation Hub, providing $8.8 million in funding for dairy research at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls. That vote was also unanimous.

  UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued the following statement on the JFC action:

  “I appreciate the members of the Joint Finance Committee taking action to release the additional $45 million in funding for UW System.

  “I also want to thank the members for giving final approval for funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub, a vital agricultural research project that will help provide essential tools and resources to the state agriculture industry.”

• Governor Evers signs budget bill

  July 3, 2019

  In a Capitol news conference this morning, Governor Tony Evers signed the budget bill for the 2019-21 biennium, and issued his list of partial vetoes of the bill.

  UW—Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued the following statement:

  “Thank you to Governor Evers and the legislators who supported the tremendous infrastructure investment throughout the UW System in the 2019-2021 state budget. These projects include a renovation and expansion of the School of Veterinary Medicine, critical maintenance funding for our buildings, and upgrades to campus housing, recreation and athletic facilities that will provide students at UW–Madison with a tremendous experience.

  “Thank you, too, to our many supporters across the state who contacted their legislators and the governor to urge them to include these important projects in the final budget bill. These projects would not be moving forward without the support of the thousands of alumni, donors, industry leaders and friends of UW around the state.

  “I look forward to continuing to work with the governor and legislative leaders to make the case for further investment in UW–Madison.”

  UPDATE: UW System President issued issued the following statement on the budget signing:

  “Today’s budget signing by Governor Evers exemplifies his commitment to our public universities by ensuring that long-term investments will benefit students and Wisconsin for years to come.

  “Legislative leadership played a key role in championing projects fundamental to growing Wisconsin’s talent pipeline. We once again thank them for moving these shared priorities forward.

  “The value our universities provide to students and taxpayers is extraordinary. Preserving the quality of education as tuition remains frozen for its eighth year will require operational investments. This will continue to be a priority for the UW.”

• Budget bill goes to the Senate

  June 26, 2019

  The State Assembly on Tuesday approved the 2019-21 budget bill on a 60-39 vote. The State Senate is deliberating the bill this morning. The session can be viewed on WisconsinEye.

  If the Senate approves the bill without changes, it will go to Governor Tony Evers, who will have six days to act on it.

  Update: The Senate approved the bill on a 17-16 vote.

  After the vote, University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross issued the following statement:

  “The budget passed by the legislature makes a significant long-term investment in our campus infrastructure that will benefit students, our faculty, and the state for years to come.

  “I thank Majority Leader Fitzgerald, Speaker Vos, and their respective caucuses for their leadership in moving these projects forward.

  “I also thank Governor Evers for his steadfast commitment to the University of Wisconsin System during the budget process, and everyone who continues to advocate for a strong UW System budget.”

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