Overview

• Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill authorizing hundreds of millions in spending for the University of Wisconsin System's construction and renovation projects.
• The bill, resulting from a compromise with Republican legislators, includes funding for a new engineering building at UW-Madison and renovations at UW-Whitewater.
• In exchange for the funding, the deal imposes limitations on diversity positions across the UW system.
• The legislation taps into the state's budget surplus and authorizes borrowing, aiming to enhance educational facilities and support staff pay raises.
• Critics argue the compromise may set a concerning precedent for future budget negotiations, affecting diversity initiatives and campus inclusivity.