Latest Updates on Proposed Biennial Budget 

Proposed Capital Budget 

The Governor supported the following UWM building and renovation projects in his recommended 2019-21 state capital budget:

Compensation 

The proposed 2% pay plan increase each year of the biennium for our faculty and staff is of UWM’s highest priority in this budget cycle. UWS proposed and the Board of Regents approved a 3% increase in each year, while the Governor’s proposal includes the 2% proposal for each year. We understand the 3% figure was proposed at a time when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was close to 3%, but the CPI has since dropped. We do not know how this will end, but we are advocating that faculty and staff compensation is critical for UWM to provide the educational, research, and engagement activities that are vital to our region.

We also advocate for the compensation to be fully funded by the state. Historically, tuition increases funded 30% of compensation increases. However, with UW resident undergraduate tuition frozen since 2013-15, we had to fund 30% of the cost of last biennium’s pay plan, which functioned as a budget cut.

If approved by the legislature, UWM plans to distribute 90% of the 2%/2% pay plan based on solid performance, including completion of the two required online trainings on Sexual Violence Prevention and Data Security and Privacy, as well as completion of the Outside Activity Reporting for unclassified employees; and 10% based the Chancellor’s Discretionary Fund for exceptional performance.

Advocacy

Since the start of the year, our advocacy efforts have included meeting with Governor Evers and his staff and 40+ visits with state legislators. Last month, I testified before the Joint Finance Committee hearing in Oak Creek, as did campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, industry partners and alumni. In April, 40 campus and community members participated in Advocacy Day in the Capitol on our behalf. This week, UWM faculty will testify before the state Committee on Universities, Technical Colleges, Children and Families on student transfers and research.

We are currently preparing written materials and arranging personal contacts for many of our area’s strongest advocates to connect with Wisconsin legislators to stress UWM’s budget priorities – compensation, capital projects, capacity-building, and specific operating budget needs.

Next Steps and Your Role

The State Legislature will continue its budget review, resulting in an eventual full debate in both the State Assembly and State Senate. The compensation plan proposal requires an additional approval from the Joint Committee on Employment Relations.

I encourage you to contact your state legislators to share the positive impact UWM has had on you, your family and our community. Ask them to reinvest in us. And, ask your friends and family to join us in speaking out on our behalf. Our State Budget Information web site is continually updated with resources, news and materials for use in advocacy, including:

•UWM Budget Talking Points
• 2019 Facts 
• Statewide Impact of UWM Students and Alumni

You can find information about how to connect with your legislator on our Panther Advocates website. As you engage in the budget process, please remember to use personal resources including non-work time, noting the UW System rules regarding engaging in political activity.

Thank you for your interest in UWM’s budget and your continued service and dedication to our students and university. Your daily work is exemplary of why UWM deserves investment and how such investment produces tremendous benefit for our students, the region, state and beyond.