Welcome to the Universities of Wisconsin Government Relations Newsletter. The Office of Government Relations provides legislative and political updates that impact the Universities of Wisconsin at the state and federal level.
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Board of Regents
The Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin will be having a special meeting virtually this Wednesday, November 19 at 1pm. The BOR will consider two policies related to 2025 Wisconsin Act 15:
- Revisions to the existing teaching workload policy
- A new regent policy on core general education requirements
Should the BOR approve these policies, they will then be submitted to the Joint Committee on Employment Relations for legislative approval as outlined in the 2025-27 biennial budget.
The meeting materials and videoconference information can be found on the website here.
State Relations
Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities
Last week, the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities held a public hearing on AB 501 relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards, and AB 505, relating to: creating a veterinary loan repayment grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board and exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program. The UWs testified and submitted written testimony on AB 501 for information only. UW-Madison also submitted written testimony for information only on AB 501 and written testimony in favor of AB 505.
Senate and Assembly Floor
Both the Senate and Assembly are scheduled to be on the floor voting this week. The Senate will convene on Tuesday, November 18 at 11am, and the Assembly will convene on Wednesday, November 19 at 11am. Here are the UW related bills on both agendas:
Senate:
- Senate Bill 210. Relating to: changes to amount of, and criteria for designating recipients of, academic excellence higher education scholarships. The UWs and UW-Madison submitted written testimony in favor.
- Senate Bill 394. Relating to: damage or graffiti to certain historical property and providing a penalty.
- Senate Bill 424. Relating to: teacher preparatory programs.
- Senate Bill 498. Relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The UWs testified and submitted for information only. UW-Madison also submitted testimony for information only.
- Senate Bill 532. Relating to: course fees at University of Wisconsin System institutions. The UWs testified and submitted in opposition.
- Assembly Bill 166. Relating to: academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes. The UWs testified and submitted for information only.
Assembly:
- Assembly Bill 420 Relating to: teacher preparatory programs.
- Assembly Bill 582 Relating to: dual enrollment programs, creating the Council on Dual Enrollment, and transfer of postsecondary course credits. The UWs testified and submitted for information only.
Federal Relations
Government Funding Updates
On November 10, the Senate agreed to H.R.5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act of 2026 by a vote of 60-40. The legislation was agreed to in the House on November 12, by a vote of 222-209 and signed into law by President Trump that evening.
In addition to reopening the government, this legislation funds the Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs programs through the duration of FY26. All other federal agencies and appropriations bills are funded through January 30, 2026.
As Congress continues to work to advance the remaining full year appropriations bills, updates will be shared as appropriate.
Update from Secretary McMahon
On November 16, U.S. Department of Education Secretary McMahon authored an op-ed, titled, “The shutdown proved just how little the Department of Education will be missed.”
If interested, you can read the Secretary’s piece via USA Today.
New FSA Chief Operating Officer
The U.S. Department of Education announced Richard Lucas will serve as the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid (FSA).
At the time of the announcement, Secretary McMahon said, “We are proud to appoint Richard Lucas to lead Federal Student Aid at this pivotal moment in student aid reforms. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act not only simplifies student loan repayment, but it creates key accountability measures that will ensure transparency and hold institutions accountable for poor student outcomes. As a dedicated public servant, we are confident that Mr. Lucas will be a key leader in successfully operationalizing these key reforms to better serve borrowers, students, families, and American taxpayers.”
Committee on Education and Workforce Hearings
On November 18 beginning at 9:15AM Central Time, the House Committee on Education and Workforce will hold a hearing titled, “The Future of College: Harnessing Innovation to Improve Outcomes and Lower Costs.” Announced witnesses include:
- Jeffrey Docking, President, Adrian College
- Kollin Napier, Director, Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network
- Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, Higher Education, EdTrust
- Tade Oyerinde, Chancellor, Campus.edu
If interested, you can watch the hearing live on the Committee website.
On November 19 beginning at 1:00PM Central Time, the Education and Workforce subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education will hold a hearing titled, “From Classroom to Career: Strengthening Skills Pathways through CTE.” The hearing will be available to view on the Committee website and witnesses will be announced closer to the hearing date.
Full House and Senate Hearing Schedule
If interested, you can see a full list of upcoming hearings on the Senate Hearings & Meetings Page. A review of the committee hearings in the House of Representatives is available via the Committee Schedule within the House of Representatives Legislative Activity section on the Chamber’s main page.
House and Senate Floor Schedules
When the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, a full list of votes will be found on the respective websites for the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Note: Links to external sites are provided for informational purposes and not meant to convey an endorsement of the Universities of Wisconsin.