MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — At the Capitol, legislation allowing University of Wisconsin athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness is a step closer to the governor’s desk.
After passing the state Assembly last month with only one no vote, it cleared the Joint Finance Committee on an 8-5 vote Wednesday.
Three Republicans on the committee voted against the legislation which would provide UW-Madison with $14.6 million in annual state subsidies to cover costs of athletic facilities, freeing up money to pay athletes for NIL deals. Senators Julian Bradley, Rob Stafsholt and Pat Testin told WisPolitics that they have concerns over using taxpayer money to ultimately pay athletes.
The state Senate will take up the bill next week.