Faculty Senate organization plans discussion on state budget

The Public Representation Organization of the Faculty Senate (PROFS), is hosting a public roundtable discussion about the recently introduced state budget at noon on Monday, March 9, at the Memorial Union (check TITU for room location).

The discussion will feature Vice Chancellor Darrell Bazzell, PROFS lobbyist Jack O’Meara, and political science professor Katherine Cramer Walsh.

Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget includes several items that directly affect UW-Madison faculty and staff, including the extension of domestic partner benefits to all state employees (see Page 15 for more) and granting all UW System faculty and staff the right to collectively bargain over wages and hours and conditions of employment.

The roundtable is designed to familiarize faculty and staff with the months-long budget process. Attendees will also be able to find out who represents them in the legislature and the best time to contact their representative. Final passage of the budget is not expected until early summer.

This event is cosponsored by the Academic Staff Public Representation Organization (ASPRO) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

For more information, contact Michelle Felber at PROFS, mfelber@bascom.wisc.edu or 263-9273.