"Vos Threatens to Halt UW Pay Raises Over DEI Positions"

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos threatens to block pay raises for University of Wisconsin System employees unless campuses eliminate positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Vos previously backed cutting $32 million from the UW System's budget and eliminating 188 staff positions related to DEI efforts. He now insists that $107.6 million in funding for employee pay raises will not be released unless DEI positions are cut. The decision ultimately rests with the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Employee Relations, where Vos is a co-chair. UW System President Jay Rothman remains hopeful that pay raises will be approved by the legislature.