The Legislative Affairs committee members met Monday night to discuss their priorities for the final stretch of the academic year.
Members focused primarily on the importance of lobbying policy-makers regarding UW-Madison specific public works projects that were discussed in the state budget recently. Two other items the committee emphasized as particularly important were the Natatorium project and increasing mental health facilities and accessibility on campus.
The two areas of significance have a linkage between them, according to Legislative Affairs Chair Laura Downer.
“One of the biggest long-term issues for mental health is the lack of physical space,” Downer said. “The great thing about the Natatorium is, from what we’ve heard, there’s already going to be some kind of conference room or office space for that purpose.”
Members additionally discussed the new Natatorium’s potential in aiding community development and extending the university's goals of integrating inclusivity in new buildings. Currently, the building does not provide inclusive spaces such as all-gender bathrooms according to committee members.
The new Natatorium is estimated to cost around $126.4 million. While the state must approve the project, no state funds will contribute to its creation, according to the school’s capital budget request.
The problem members see in approving this project is policy-makers’ reluctance to support UW System projects in general.
Select members of the committee will attend UW Day at the capitol this Wednesday to talk with legislators about their concerns.
