UW–Madison and the State Budget

Budget News

• Capital budget proposal includes multiple UW-Madison projects

  March 7, 2019

  Gov. Tony Evers today released his proposed capital budget for the 2019-21 biennium, including funding for several UW-Madison projects.

  “I am grateful for the robust capital budget proposed by Governor Evers today,” UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in a statement. “These critical investments in our campus will help make sure we can continue to provide a world-class education for our students. And supporting projects like the expansion of our School of Veterinary Medicine will allow UW–Madison to serve more Wisconsin farmers and continue cutting edge research that positively impacts human health. We look forward to working with the State Building Commission and the Legislature as they review the capital budget recommendations over the coming weeks and months.”

  The UW-Madison projects included in the proposal are an addition and renovation to the School of Veterinary Medicine; addition and renovation to Sellery Hall; replacement of the Natatorium; renovations to Camp Randall and the Kohl Center; and provides significant funding for facility maintenance projects across the UW System.

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

  “We appreciate that the Governor recognizes many of the challenges in facility repair, renovation, and replacement that the University of Wisconsin System is facing. Our challenges are significant as we seek to update antiquated buildings and systems to ensure the safe and modern learning environment students expect. As the largest owner of physical space in state government, the UW System’s capital budget request represented just 8% of the total UW System portfolio.”

  Media coverage

  Wisconsin State Journal: Tony Evers proposes $2.5 billion budget for state building projects

  Associated Press: Evers’ capital budget calls for $2 billion in new borrowing

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tony Evers seeks $2.5 billion for building projects — nearly half for UW campuses

• Governor’s budget proposal invests in higher education

  March 6, 2019

  In a post on her blog, Blank’s Slate, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank takes a look at Governor Tony Evers proposal for funding UW System in the 2019-21 biennial budget.

  Last week, Governor Tony Evers introduced a very promising UW System budget proposal for the next biennium. It includes – among other plans – a robust reinvestment in higher education, more funding for financial aid, targeted investment in high-demand majors to promote workforce development, and a much-needed pay plan that will keep our faculty and staff from falling further behind their peers at other institutions.

  This is only a proposal and (as discussed below) it’s not clear how the legislature will respond to these proposals or what the final budget will contain in higher education funding.  But the Governor’s budget is a starting point.

  As I’ve said many times, budgets demonstrate priorities. It’s clear the governor, a career educator, understands that spending on education yields a strong return on investment, and a strong higher education system is a driver of the economy statewide.

  The UW changes lives. This plan to reinvest recognizes the potential for our students, faculty, staff and alumni to positively impact our communities around the state.

  Read more …

• Chancellor Blank, President Cross express support for Gov. Evers’ UW System budget proposal

  February 28, 2019

  University of Wisconsin—Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued the following statement today in reaction to Gov. Tony Evers’ proposal for UW System:

  “I applaud the new investments in the UW System proposed by Governor Evers today and appreciate his strong commitment to giving us the tools needed to continue providing a high-quality, affordable education for Wisconsin students.

  “Fully funding the tuition freeze and the investment in our faculty ensures we can increase access for our students in high-demand programs, helping build the talent pipeline while driving economic growth for Wisconsin. These funds will help UW–Madison produce more graduates in nursing, computer science, business and engineering.

  “Additionally, the proposed funding increase for Extension strengthens the commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and will help Extension continue the important work they do around our state.

  “I look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature through the rest of the budget process to ensure UW–Madison students, faculty, staff and alumni can continue changing lives in communities all across Wisconsin.”

  Read more

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