Budget News
UW-Madison announces employee furloughs, leadership pay cuts
April 30, 2020In a letter to campus on Wednesday, Chancellor Rebecca Blank notified employees that UW–Madison will implement additional expense reductions, including employee furloughs, in response to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university finances. The cost-saving measures include campus-wide furloughs, leadership pay cuts, a Work-Share program, position-specific furloughs, and possible reassignments. The measures will take effect no earlier than May 15 and continue through October 31, 2020.
The latest cost-cutting steps are estimated to save up to $30 million toward the more than $100 million estimated shortfall the university is facing. The actions follow other budget reductions, including canceling new program investments, a travel freeze, changes to infrastructure project schedules, and redoubling efforts to enroll a strong freshman class.
In her email to campus employees, Chancellor Blank stressed that the health and safety of our community is the university’s t0p priority. She expressed gratitude to all UW-Madison employees for their important role in the campus response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special thank you to those working onsite in essential capacities to preserve campus operations. The full text of the chancellor’s message can be viewed online and has been translated into multiple languages.
State budget committee approves additional System funding
October 2, 2019The 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, 2019In 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.”
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