MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The leader of the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate says lawmakers are nearing a deal that would allow for long-blocked pay raises for Universities of Wisconsin employees to take effect. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu also told The Associated Press Wednesday that the deal would include funds for a new engineering building on the UW-Madison campus. But a UW spokesman says no deal is imminent. The funding has been blocked amid an ongoing dispute primarily with Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who objects to UW spending public money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and staff. Vos denied raises in October to UW employees unless school leaders eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
