UW–Madison and the State Budget

Budget News

• Building Commission deadlocks on Capital Budget

  March 22, 2019

  The State Building Commission deadlocked on a 4-4 party-line vote Wednesday as it took up Gov. Tony Evers’ recommendations for building projects in the 2019-21 biennium. As a result  the Capital Budget goes to the state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee without a list of recommended projects for the first time in recent memory. The Capital Budget is a separate proposal from the operating budget and provides recommendations for enumeration of various state building projects and maintenance dollars.

  The Joint Finance Committee is expected to begin deliberating on Evers’ full budget proposal next month, and will likely create its own Capital Budget recommendations before the bill goes to the Assembly and Senate for their approval. After the Legislature votes, Evers must sign the bill for it to become law.

  Evers requested $1.1 billion for building projects in the UW System, including about $300 million to cover deferred maintenance in facilities across the System. UW-Madison projects in Evers’ proposal include an addition and renovation to the School of Veterinary Medicine; addition and renovation to Sellery Hall; replacement of the Natatorium; and renovations to Camp Randall and the Kohl Center.

  Chancellor Rebecca Blank said the Building Commission vote does not preclude UW projects from being included in the final budget sent to the governor’s desk. Over the next few months, legislators will negotiate and decide on an acceptable package of projects.

  “As the budget bill advances to the Joint Finance Committee, we will redouble our efforts to make the case to legislators why these projects are vitally important to our students and their opportunities at UW-Madison,” Chancellor Rebecca Blank said.

  UW System President Ray Cross said the State Building Commission vote doesn’t diminish the need for reinvestment in repair and renovation projects throughout the state.

  “Over 60 percent of our buildings are between 45 and 70 years old,” Cross said. “The risks to safety, to our maintenance costs, and to Wisconsin’s ability to attract and retain students are only growing. We look forward to continuing to make our case as the full legislature considers these capital projects.”

• Media coverage of State Building Commission

  March 21, 2019

  Wisconsin State Journal: Proposed state building projects in jeopardy as commission deadlocks

  Associated Press: Republicans reject Evers’ spending on state, UW buildings

  Wisconsin Public Radio: Republican Lawmakers Reject Evers’ Capital Budget Proposal

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Republicans reject Tony Evers’ $2.5 billion plan for building projects

• 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

• More News