The Weekly Update

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.

Subscribe below to receive weekly e-mail notifications for state and federal legislative updates.

 

Subscribe to the Newsletter

  • First and last
  • What is your email address?
  • What organization do you work for/represent?
  • What is your title?

Wisconsin Civics Games

Nearly 200 students from 33 schools across Wisconsin will compete in the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games this week showcasing their knowledge of government, history, and civic engagement. Preliminary competitions are being held virtually April 8-9, with 16 teams advancing to the State Capitol for the championship round on May 1. The state finals will be open to the public and are scheduled to be broadcast on WisconsinEye.

You can learn more about the Civic Games here.

State Relations

Open All

Governor’s Bill Actions

Last week, the Governor took action on multiple bills. Below are some bills of note impacting the Universities of Wisconsin:

Bill Signed:

Assembly Bill 659, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 155: 

  • Reduces the residency requirements for the tuition and fee remission program available to certain veterans, spouses, and children who are enrolled in University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges from five years to three years; and  Modifies the non-resident tuition exemption by removing the requirement that a veteran must be a Wisconsin resident at the time of entry into active duty, while maintaining residency at the time of enrollment.  

Senate Bill 501, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 177: 

  • Creates a veterinary loan repayment program, administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board, to provide assistance for veterinarians employed in rural counties. 

Assembly Bill 387, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 181:

  • Corrects several omissions, typographical errors, and provides clarification of certain items in 2025 Wisconsin Act 15.

Assembly Bill 130, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 200:  

  • Appropriates funding from the PFAS trust fund and the general fund to support activities related to PFAS remediation and testing.

Assembly Bill 131, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 201:  

  • Creates several new programs and requirements relating to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Bills Vetoed:

Assembly Bill 100 - Relating to: designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.

Assembly Bill 102 - Relating to: designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants.

Assembly Bill 1005 - admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions.

Assembly Bill 757 - the appointment of certain employees of the University of Wisconsin System and faculty governance.

Assembly Bill 662 - prohibiting state contracting with certain business entities and providing a penalty.

Assembly Bill 582 - dual enrollment programs, creating the Council on Dual Enrollment, and transfer of postsecondary course credits.

Assembly Bill 248 - vacancies in appointive state offices.

Assembly Bill 281 - the employment eligibility verification program and granting rule-making authority. 

Please check back for updates.

Federal Relations

Open All

President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request

Last week, the White House Office of Management and Budget released the Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request. The release of the President’s Budget Request helps begin the FY27 budgeting and appropriations process. In the coming weeks, Congress will hold hearings on the President’s Budget Request as the House and Senate begin working on their legislative efforts to fund the government past the end of the Federal Fiscal Year, September 30, 2026.

For more information, you can review the following Fact Sheets as provided by the White House:

White House Executive Order

Last week, the White House released an executive order titled, "Urgent National Action to Save College Sports." For more, you can read the linked order or the following Fact Sheet provided by the White House. 

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

The House of Representatives and the Senate are in scheduled recess periods. Both chambers are set to return to Washington the week of April 16; as the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, the anticipated schedule for the House of Representatives and the Senate can be found on the preceding websites. 

Note: Links to external sites are provided for informational purposes and not meant to convey an endorsement of the Universities of Wisconsin.