University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross is requesting a special legislative session to address financial troubles caused by COVID-19. Cross is asking Governor Tony Evers and legislative leaders for authority to borrow money to offset losses and change the start date for the 2020-2021 school year.
In a letter to the governor, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Cross noted U-W campuses have already furloughed and laid off employees. He also said “we face significant financial and operational challenges that are made much worse by the ever-changing nature of the pandemic.”