Statement from Chancellor John D. Wiley on State Senate budget vote

"I want to express appreciation to members of the State Senate, who on Tuesday passed a budget plan that helps address many of the critical issues for higher education in Wisconsin and UW–Madison in particular.

The Senate’s support of recruitment and retention funding is an important and welcome step in addressing one of the most serious threats to the quality of our campuses. The funding, along with a competitive pay plan, will particularly assist UW–Madison’s strategic efforts to keep our very best and most productive faculty from being hired away by out-of-state institutions.

We also believe strongly that domestic partner health benefits are a critical competitive issue for attracting and retaining campus talent, and we appreciate the Senate’s efforts to add it to the budget. We remain committed to providing the same benefits that are widely available at peer institutions and the private sector.

Lastly, I know legislators face many difficult decisions throughout the budget process, but we’re appreciative that senators recognize the importance of building projects on the UW–Madison campus, including our student unions and residence halls.

Today’s action by the Senate reinforces the desires of students and parents to have a safe living and learning environment on campus. With nearly 700 students turned away every year for university housing, the plan included in the budget ensures this gap is addressed and all freshman students who want to live in university housing can experience the benefits of on-campus living."