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New WAICUPEDIA and Wisconsin 2025-2026 Legislative Session Begins

The Wisconsin Legislature convened on January 6 with the inauguration of the reelected and newly elected legislators. Republicans still maintain control of both the Wisconsin Assembly and Wisconsin Senate, but with narrower margins than in the previous legislative session.

Given the narrower majorities, some legislators are hoping for increased bipartisanship on key policy issues facing the state. State tax revenues are estimated to increase by $644.5 million in year 2025-2026 and another $382.7 million in 2026-2027. These increases will bring the state’s budget surplus to $4 billion. Legislative Republicans have indicated they will focus on a significant tax relief package for Wisconsinites. However, we are hopeful the Wisconsin Legislature will also make important investments in key policy priorities such as financial aid to students.

Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) will again chair the Universities and Technical Colleges Committee and Representative Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) will again chair the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee. WAICU has been meeting with the committee chairs, key committee members, legislative leadership, and Governor Tony Evers on issues related to addressing the teacher shortage; improving dual enrollment programs; support for veterans attending private, nonprofit institutions; and healthcare policy, as well as our number one policy priority, doubling the Wisconsin Grant appropriation for students attending WAICU institutions.

Currently, the private, nonprofit allocation for Wisconsin Grants is less than two percent of all state spending on higher education at $57 million over the biennium. With a doubling of our appropriation to $114 million, the allocation would be approximately three percent of higher education funding at current levels. WAICU is meeting with legislators, reminding them of the importance of our higher education sector to the state’s economy and to Wisconsin’s workforce. Our sector is market driven and responsive to employer needs and a critical partner with the State of Wisconsin on these efforts.

During our conversations we are sharing WAICUPEDIA 2025, which highlights the important work of WAICU members and serves as the case statement for our sector.

To support WAICU’s advocacy efforts this session, please sign up for our Advocacy Network. We will be sending key action alerts during the session asking advocates to weigh in and support higher education policies that can strengthen our public, private partnership during key points in the process.

For more information, email WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson.