Government Relations

Government Relations Legislative Update

Government Relations Legislative Update

Updates on state and federal issues relating to the UW System.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

State Legislative Update

Governor Walker Signs Bill to Require Geographical Representation on Board of Regents
Earlier this week, Governor Walker signed SB 28 into law at a bill-signing ceremony in Wausau at the UW-Marathon County campus. This legislation was supported by the UW Board of Regents and requires that, beginning in 2013, there must be at least one appointed member from each of the state's eight congressional districts. See the Regent resolution in support of SB 28 here.


Task Force on UW Restructuring and Operational Flexibilities Holds First Meeting
Yesterday the task force met for the first time and heard a presentation by Aims McGuinness of the National Center on Higher Education Management Systems. Dr. McGuinness shared his perspectives of other states' higher education systems in regards to regulation, accountability measures, and governance structures. See the entire WisEye coverage of the meeting here. (total time: 3 hr. 25 min.) The next task force meeting is scheduled for January 11.

Committee Holds Regent Confirmation Hearing
Today the Senate Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education Committee held a public hearing on the appointments of Tim Higgins, Gary Roberts, and Gerald Whitburn to the UW Board of Regents. A committee vote is expected to be taken on Friday. If approved by the committee, the appointments would then require a vote by the full Senate. See WisEye coverage of the confirmation hearing here. (Approx. time: 32 min.)