In the wake of recent state and local budget concerns, Katharine Lyall, UW System president, has encountered criticism regarding her employment benefits package. Some of her benefits include free housing and the use of a state-owned vehicle.
Rep. Scott Suder, R?Abbotsford, said he was concerned about Lyall’s benefits, saying that taxpayer money should be properly allocated, especially in light of the state’s $1.1 billion deficit.
“At a time when my area of the state is experiencing record unemployment and significant layoffs, these same taxpayers are paying for free housing for UW chancellors who make six-figure salaries,” Suder said. “That makes absolutely no sense to me, especially when the state has a deficit.”
Proponents of Lyall’s benefits claim the Brittingham House, the official home for the UW System president, is used for hosting campus receptions, community events, fundraising and other official activities, which are a natural facet of the position.
However, Suder said the Brittingham House costs the taxpayers $100,000 a year to maintain and staff, and said this is a lavish cost that should not burden taxpayers.
Suder also said he disagreed with Lyall’s privilege of using a vehicle from the state fleet.
“Even members of [the state Legislature] aren’t provided a free government car, and they are making less than these university officials,” Suder said. “It’s a nice perk, but taxpayers can’t afford to pay for such luxuries.”
Erik Christianson, spokesman for the UW System, said university vehicles are not reserved for personal use.
“If the vehicles are used for personal use, the officials will reimburse the state at a rate of 32.5 cents per mile,” he said.
Suder said he will propose a plan to eliminate free housing and automobile use for chancellors and state employees, with the exception of the governor, but was unable to estimate the effect this will have on the overall budget.
Officials from the university system defend Lyall’s benefits package, claiming the housing arrangement and use of a state-owned vehicle “are part of the standard employment package for the UW System president and chancellors and have been for years.”
According to Christianson, the UW System is below the national average in comparison with other universities for benefits packages. A typical benefits package of other universities not only includes free housing and the use of a vehicle but also consists of a country club membership, deferred compensation and free tuition for their children.
Officials from the university system argue that these benefits packages are a necessary tool in the marketing and recruitment of these top positions. Over the past five years, the UW System has had to replace 10 of their 15 chancellors.
But Suder said that while other states may provide significant benefits, Wisconsin taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to follow their lead.
“The perks of academia are a waste of taxpayers’ money and should be an outrage to hardworking Wisconsinites,” he said.