Federal Friday
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announce Child Care Access Means Parents in School Partnership Grant Competition
Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing
On April 28, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies of the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY27 Budget Request for the Department of Education. Secretary McMahon is scheduled to testify. If interested, you can watch live beginning at 9:00AM Central Time on the Committee website.
House Committee on Education and Workforce Hearing
On April 29, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold a hearing titled, “Speech or Silence? The Future of the First Amendment in Higher Education.” You can watch live beginning at 9:15 AM Central on the Committee website. Witnesses will be announced closer to the date of the hearing.
Political Activity Guidance Reminder
As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.
Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.
In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.
For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.
Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.