Vos said in October the raises would not be approved until the UW System made concessions on it’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to The Badger Herald. The Board of Regents voted to accept a deal in December exchanging pay raises and other funding for the “reimagining” of certain DEI positions, according to The Badger Herald’s previous coverage of the deal.
Category: State budget
Wisconsin Supreme Court takes up Evers lawsuit against Legislature over blocked UW pay raises, conservation projects
A lawsuit filed by Gov. Tony Evers against Republican lawmakers who blocked pay raises for university employees and funding for conservation projects has been accepted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Evers signs bills releasing UW pay raises
Gov. Tony Evers signed two bills, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 92 and 2023 Wisconsin Act 93, on Friday that will release long-awaited pay raises to employees of the University of Wisconsin System.
Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to take up Gov. Evers’s lawsuit against GOP lawmakers
One of the legislative vetoes blocked conservation projects selected by the Department of Natural Resources. Evers also challenged a veto that blocked already approved pay raises for 35,000 University of Wisconsin system employees, but after he filed the lawsuit, Republicans and the university system reached an agreement approving raises if the school cuts back on diversity initiatives.
Wisconsin’s budget surplus is shrinking but still large
This estimate from the bureau included spending that has passed since June, as well as bills currently working their way through the legislature. That includes $423 million for building projects on University of Wisconsin system campuses and other items.
Republican leaders said the new estimates show there is still enough of a surplus to deliver more tax cuts.
Tuition reciprocity changes, workforce plan would add millions to UW system’s coffers
Millions in revenue and state aid dollars could bolster the Universities of Wisconsin’s budget as soon as February, if lawmakers take up two provisions of the deal struck between UW system officials and Republican legislative leadership that gave UW system about $800 million in exchange for changes to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Republican proposal would use state cash to fund UW free speech office
A pair of Wisconsin Republicans want to give the Universities of Wisconsin $500,000 a year to ensure conservative voices on public campuses are heard.
Florida board bans use of state and federal funds on DEI programs at state universities
More than a dozen state legislatures have introduced or passed bills reining in DEI programs in colleges and universities, claiming the offices eat up valuable financial resources with little impact. Last month, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents voted to cut back diversity initiatives in exchange for state funding in a deal with GOP lawmakers.
Joint Finance holds public hearing on funding capital projects in DEI deal
The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance held a public hearing Thursday on legislation to provide funding for the UW System capital projects that were used as bargaining chips in the system’s debate with legislative Republicans late last year over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The bill would provide more than $400 million from the state’s general fund to pay for new campus buildings, renovations, additions and the demolition of aging infrastructure. The marquee project included in the bill is funding for a new engineering building at UW-Madison.
Republicans propose bill to fund UW-Madison engineering building, UW facilities, a key part of DEI deal
Lawmakers will bring forward a bill to fund the construction of UW-Madison’s new engineering building, among other projects, that was one of the most significant aspects of the deal struck last month between the Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Assembly Speaker Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester.
2023 was a wild year in Wisconsin politics, again
A long-running standoff over diversity, equity and inclusion in state government, notably on Universities of Wisconsin campuses, boiled over in 2023, as Republican legislators aimed to cut UW budgets before a deal was ultimately reached.
What to know about the UW System funding deal
Republican lawmakers and UW System President Jay Rothman reached an agreement earlier this month to restructure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) positions in exchange for pay raises and building projects.
UW and Vos agreement is not quite a done deal
Each side of the agreement still has to take steps to fulfill various promises they made to each other, a process that is expected to take years and that could face new barriers.
State superintendent says she would have voted against deal UW system struck with Vos
Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly said Wednesday she would have voted against the deal the Universites of Wisconsin struck with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
UW system workers to receive 6% pay raises after GOP committee vote
ARepublican-controlled legislative committee approved 6% pay raises for about 35,000 Universities of Wisconsin workers Tuesday after the UW system agreed last week to repurpose some diversity positions as part of a broader deal with lawmakers to unlock nearly $800 million in state aid.
UW pay raises are passed, but Robin Vos signals more DEI cuts
State lawmakers officially approved raises Tuesday for 35,000 employees of the Universities of Wisconsin after a deal brokered and approved last week with a top Republican legislator.
Wisconsin Assembly’s top Republican wants to review diversity positions across state agencies
The Republican lawmaker who forced the Universities of Wisconsin to commit to reducing diversity positions called Tuesday for an in-depth review of diversity initiatives across state government and repeated his claim that he has only begun to dismantle equity and inclusion efforts in the state.
UW system is committed to DEI, despite deal with Republicans, UW-Madison diversity chief says
UW-Madison’s chief diversity officer on Thursday tried to allay concerns that the Universities of Wisconsin is stepping back its support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, despite UW system President Jay Rothman and legislative Republicans brokering a deal that authorizes about $800 million for the UW system in exchange for DEI changes.
In deal with Republicans, UW Regents chose pragmatism over principles. Now what?
Backed into a corner on a deal seen as selling out students of color in exchange for state money, the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents talked around the problem this week.
A closer look at the UW System’s deal with the state legislature
The UW System’s Board of Regents approved the controversial deal yesterday, in what the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports was the board’s fifth meeting in seven days.
After Months of Political Pressure and a Failed Vote, Wisconsin’s Regents Approve Deal on DEI
After a months-long standoff between the University of Wisconsin system and the Republican-controlled Legislature, the two parties brokered a deal to release $800 million in state funds — for long-delayed UW pay raises and key campus building projects — if the system agreed to realign dozens of diversity, equity, and inclusion positions and support several other Republican-backed priorities.
Legislators set to approve UW pay raises next week
A Republican-controlled legislative committee is slated to approve 6% pay raises for Universities of Wisconsin workers Tuesday after the UW system agreed this week to repurpose some diversity positions as part of a broader deal with lawmakers to unlock nearly $800 million in state aid.
University of Wisconsin regents back GOP deal for funding in exchange for limiting diversity efforts
In a surprising about-face, the Universities of Wisconsin regents approved a deal Wednesday evening with Republican legislators to limit diversity positions at the system’s two dozen campuses in exchange for money to cover staff raises and construction projects.
UW regents reverse position, accept GOP deal on funding and limits to DEI programs
The Universities of Wisconsin will have the opportunity to give pay raises to its 34,000 employees and build a new $347 million engineering building in Madison under a deal approved Wednesday by the Board of Regents. But the universities will also freeze DEI staffing through 2026 and eliminate or refocus about 40 positions focused on diversity.
UW Regents approve deal on funding, engineering building with controversial re-vote
Just days after rejecting it, the UW Board of Regents on Wednesday approved a sweeping deal with Republican legislators to free up more than $800 million in staff raises, a new engineering building at UW-Madison and other infrastructure spending in exchange for scaling back diversity efforts.
UW regents reverse vote, approve deal with Robin Vos
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents reversed itself Wednesday and voted to approve a Republican-brokered deal that would unlock pay raises for employees and fund UW-Madison’s new engineering building in exchange for slimming its diversity, equity and inclusion staffing.
What to know about UW Regents Amy Bogost, Karen Walsh and Jennifer Staton, who changed their votes on diversity, pay raises
Three members of the UW Board of Regents changed their votes on a controverisal deal over diversity efforts and pay raises.
The vote-flipping by Regents Karen Walsh, Amy Bogost and Jennifer Staton solidifed a deal months in the making between the University of Wisconsin System and Republican legislative leaders.
UW Regents approve deal on diversity, pay raises after six-month budget standoff
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents flip-flopped Wednesday, voting 11-6 to approve a deal on diversity positions and pay raises it had rejected just four days earlier.
In second vote, UW Board of Regents approves funding, DEI deal
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on Wednesday voted to approve a deal with the Republican-led state Legislature to provide funds for the school system in exchange for a freeze on diversity, equity and inclusion positions, among other conditions.
UW President Jay Rothman speaks to media following vote that changed DEI
During a brief press conference following the UW Board of Regents vote that ultimately changed the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion positions at UW schools, President Jay Rothman stated multiple times that he understood this was a ‘difficult decision for the regents’ and he respects all the people who voted for it or against it.
Board of Regents approves funding proposal in reconsideration vote despite student concerns
UW–Madison student, Madison City Council member weighs in on lack of student involvement in deal.
University of Wisconsin Board of Regents schedule another vote on deal over diversity, pay raises
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents is calling for a do-over.
The board is scheduled to vote 5 p.m. Wednesday on the same deal it rejected Saturday. It will be the board’s fifth meeting in a chaotic seven days.
UW Board of Regents to vote again on deal over pay raises, DEI
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will vote again on a Republican-brokered deal it rejected Saturday that would unlock pay raises for employees and fund UW-Madison’s new engineering building in exchange for slimming its DEI positions.
UW Board of Regents to vote again on deal with Republicans over pay raises, UW-Madison engineering building
The UW Board of Regents will meet again on Wednesday to reconsider a deal brokered between Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and legislative Republicans to secure pay raises for UW system employees and funding for UW-Madison’s long-awaited engineering building in exchange for restructuring system diversity efforts.
UW Board of Regents to hold another special meeting after denying DEI plan
The salaries of more than 34,000 University of Wisconsin system employees are in limbo because of a few on-campus programs.
‘A deal is a deal’: Vos done negotiating with UW System after failed agreement
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Monday the deal was his final offer and would prefer if the UW System moves forward with the deal despite Democrat opposition.
Rejected DEI funding deal could be reconsidered at special Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting Tuesday
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents could be positioning itself to reverse a surprise decision made over the weekend.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the board will meet in a special session and is expected to discuss the rejection of an $800 million funding deal.
UW regents to discuss legal options in battle over pay raises, DEI
Members of the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consult with attorneys Tuesday about a lawsuit challenging the power of the Legislature, a move that comes just days after the board rejected a deal with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos involving pay raises and limits on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
UW System regents to discuss Evers’ lawsuit as GOP leaders refuse further negotiations
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will meet on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing fight over funding after the regents voted to reject a deal with Republican legislators that would have traded money for concessions on diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
In days leading up to vote on diversity deal, UW President Jay Rothman floated resignation
University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman knew the vote on a deal over campus diversity efforts was critical.
In fact, in the days leading up to it, he floated resigning if the vote failed, according to UW student Regent Evan Brenkus.
Wisconsin GOP leaders say they’re done negotiating with university over pay raises, diversity deal
Wisconsin’s top Republican lawmakers said Monday that they are done negotiating with the Universities of Wisconsin over a deal that would have given the university system’s employees a pay raise and paid for the construction of a new engineering building in exchange for reductions in staff positions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
UW Regents to meet again on funding dispute; Robin Vos says it’s his final offer
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Monday that Republicans “are not changing one thing” in the compromise plan the Universities of Wisconsin Regents rejected Saturday to roll back diversity efforts in exchange for staff raises and a new engineering building and other infrastructure improvements.
UW Regents vote down DEI and buildings deal brokered with Republican leaders
In an unexpected move Saturday, the board overseeing state public universities narrowly rejected a deal University of Wisconsin System leaders brokered with the state’s top Republican over campus diversity efforts.
Wisconsin university regents reject deal with Republicans to reduce diversity positions
Universities of Wisconsin regents narrowly rejected a deal Saturday reached with Republicans that would have given employees a pay raise and paid for construction of a new engineering building in exchange for reductions in staff positions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
UW Board of Regents rejects system deal struck with Republicans on DEI, UW-Madison engineering building
A narrowly divided UW Board of Regents on Saturday rejected an agreement between Universities of Wisconsin system President Jay Rothman and legislative Republican leaders authorizing UW system funding and pay raises in exchange for changes to universities’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
UW regents reject deal on pay raises, DEI, engineering building
The Board of Regents rejected a deal Saturday that would have unlocked pay raises for employees, funded UW-Madison’s new engineering building and allowed the Universities of Wisconsin to recoup the $32 million cut from its budget earlier this year.
UW and GOP reach deal to ‘reimagine’ DEI by restructuring jobs, freezing positions
In a deal months in the making, the University of Wisconsin system will “reimagine” its diversity efforts, restructure dozens of staff into positions serving all students and freeze the total number of diversity and administrative positions for the next three years.
In exchange, the universities would receive $800 million to give pay raises for 35,000 employees and move forward on some building projects, including a new engineering building for UW-Madison.
UW inches closer to deal on pay raises, engineering building and DEI with Republicans
On the table are pay raises for 35,000 employees, a new engineering building for UW-Madison and $32 million recouped back into UW’s budget after lawmakers cut it earlier this year. Also being discussed is millions of dollars for building projects at some other campuses and a change in how the state manages money from the tuition reciprocity agreement with Minnesota that would bring more money to campuses.
UW system, Republicans reportedly close to a deal on DEI, engineering building and pay raises
Universities of Wisconsin leaders are said to be nearing a deal with Republican legislative leaders that would reclassify a third of the system’s diversity, equity and inclusion employees and put a yearslong moratorium on hiring more, in return for a new UW-Madison engineering building and moving ahead with employee pay raises already approved in the budget.
Wisconsin’s future depends on investing in UW System, not trashing it
Co-authored by State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, represents the 7th Senate District. State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, represents the 26th Senate District.
Top Wisconsin Senate Republican says a deal is near for university pay raises. UW officials disagree
The leader of the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate said Wednesday that lawmakers are nearing a deal that would allow for long-blocked pay raises for Universities of Wisconsin employees to take effect and for funding to be released to pay for construction of a new engineering building.
Republican leaders of Wisconsin Legislature at odds over withholding university pay raises
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Monday that he opposes withholding the money.
UW-Madison’s updated wish list includes a $300M dorm, the university’s largest ever
Further emptying out the Mosse Humanities building by building a new music academic building and adding nearly 2,000 beds to University Housing could rank high on UW-Madison’s list of priorities for the next state budget.
A new UW engineering building was a ‘slam dunk.’ Politics intervened.
When Jeff Roznowski and Bill Monfre first joined a coalition in 2020 to advocate for a new engineering facility on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, they figured they’d work with the group only a year or two.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers vetoes ‘completely unserious’ $2B tax cut
The Evers proposal rejected by the Legislature would have spent $365 million on child care, $65 million on University of Wisconsin funding, $200 million on a new engineering building at UW-Madison and $243 million toward a 12-week family medical leave program for Wisconsin workers.
$2B Wisconsin income tax cut vetoed, slammed by Evers
But instead of embracing Evers’ plan to put $365 million toward a pandemic-era program to support child care providers, create a state paid family and medical leave program and provide more funding for a new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Republicans opted to go in a different direction.
Gov. Tony Evers vetoes Republicans’ $2 billion tax cut proposal, calling the plan ‘out of touch’
Evers’ proposal would have allocated $365 million in new child care funding, increased spending for the Universities of Wisconsin by $65 million, devoted $200 million to paying for a new engineering building on the UW-Madison campus, established a 12-week family medical leave program costing $243 million, and created workforce education and grant programs.
Opinion | GOP created UW funding crisis
It’s pretty hard to explain, isn’t it? While Wisconsin is sitting on a multibillion-dollar budget surplus, its highly regarded state university campuses are being forced to lay off faculty, cut back classes, even close some two-year campuses to balance their own budgets.
OUR VIEW: If you thought Brewers stadium was a good deal, get a load of this
The Legislature should quickly take up and approve funding for a new engineering building on the UW-Madison campus. If the Republican-run Legislature thought AmFam Field was a good proposal for Wisconsin — and it definitely was — then get a load of this offer: a $350 million engineering building that costs the public less and delivers the state economy far more.
Gov. Tony Evers signs wage increases for State Patrol troopers, trades employees
Legislative committees controlled by Republicans have blocked the UW system pay increases even though Evers and the full Legislature have already authorized them. The inaction came after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the UW system had to either eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs or hand over its power to create university roles to the Legislature.
Evers has since sued the Legislature over the matter, alleging in a lawsuit filed directly with the liberal-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court that Republicans are violating the Constitution’s separation of powers by allowing legislative committees to “impede, usurp, or obstruct basic executive branch functions.”