Governor announces budget repair bill

Governor Walker released details of his 144-page budget adjustment bill in a press conference earlier today.  The bill, which could be scheduled for a vote by the Legislature as early as next week, contained numerous provisions related to state and university employee benefits. 

Those provisions include requiring state employees to contribute more to their pensions and to pick up a larger portion of their health care premiums. The bill also proposes sweeping changes to the state's collective bargaining laws.  See Governor's press release and bill summary .  The Governor also released this public message to the state regarding his budget repair bill.

A statement was issued by UW System President Kevin Reilly and Regent President Chuck Pruitt to all UW faculty and staff regarding the budget repair bill. Acknowledging the hard work of UW faculty and staff, the UW leaders wrote:

"It's time to change the way that Wisconsin's public universities compete for talent in a competitive national and global marketplace. We believe that universities freed from outdated laws and regulations will grow stronger, while those that remain overly constrained will fall further behind."