Rep. Subeck Cries Foul on Republican Committee Chair’s Fast-tracked Proposal to Undermine Health and Safety Measures on UW Campuses

MADISON – Today, Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), chair of the Joint Committee on Review of Administration Rules (JCRAR), announced in a press release a proposal to require that health and safety measures implemented by the UW System be subject to review and approval by the committee he chairs through the rulemaking process.  Hours later, committee members received notice that Senator Nass’s proposal would be considered by paper ballot on Tuesday of next week with no public hearing or discussion. Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), ranking Democratic Assembly Member on JCRAR released the following statement:

“First and foremost, our UW System has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for its students and staff. Senator Nass’s proposal to micromanage health measures put in place by UW System and Campus leaders endangers public health on campus and may even jeopardize the ability to return to in-person classes this fall.

Now, Senator Nass is attempting to ram through his wrongheaded proposal on a paper ballot without either a public hearing or even discussion by committee members.  It is clear that this power grab will have negative consequences for our campuses and our communities.  The least Senator Nass could do is to allow an open and honest discussion that engages health experts, university leaders, and the students and staff who will be impacted.”

Rep. Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as vice-chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.