As a result of federal tax reform provisions recently signed into law, UW System has required UW institutions, including UW–Madison, to change pre-tax payroll deductions for parking, vanpool, and bus passes to post-tax deductions. This change in the tax deduction amount will appear on the June 1, 2018 paycheck for employees who are paid monthly and on the June 7, 2018 paycheck for those who are paid biweekly. The net cost increase will vary depending on the employee’s parking permit or vanpool cost and the employee’s income level. Also as a result of the most recent federal tax code overhaul, bus passes for UW–Madison employees will cost $48 per year in 2018–2019, compared to the current $36 per year. UW–Madison will continue to subsidize employee bus passes as a low-cost option for commuting to work.

UW–Madison Transportation Services has announced parking permit rates for the 2018-2019 parking year (Sept. 1, 2018–Aug. 31, 2019). Depending on the lot, base lot permits will increase three percent or 10 percent. Afternoon permit prices will rise by three percent. Night permit costs will not change. In a parking policy change, all gated lots will have the gates down at all times. Lots 17, 20, 36, and 76 will continue to be available for parking on the weekend at no charge. People will pull a ticket to enter and use the ticket to exit at no charge. Annual permit holders will see no change; their permits will let them in to their assigned lots at all times. For more details, visit go.wisc.edu/jj4p18.

The Allen Centennial Garden will be offering a free holistic wellness program that seeks to improve mental health by reconnecting with nature. Events will be held every Thursday from May 24 to September 13, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Garden, 620 Babcock Drive, Madison. Themes will change weekly and will include topics such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation, healthy eating, and art, all with a horticultural twist. These events are open to all members of the UW–Madison community and the general public. All programs are on a drop-in basis; no registration is required.