University of Wisconsin Colleges officials today praised the Wisconsin State Senate for their passage of a state budget that includes increased investments in higher education.
“We are very grateful to the Senate for recognizing that increased funding for the University of Wisconsin - and for the students we serve -- is the wisest long-term investment the state can make,” said Brad Stewart, dean at UW-Waukesha. “This funding will help us provide additional access for adult students. By offering more options for people who already have strong roots in our communities, we can help them realize their educational dreams here at home.”
In action Wednesday, the Senate restored more than $60 million in funding to the Regent’s 2001-03 budget request to the state and restored $40 million in facility maintenance and equipment funds that had been cut by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee.
“We are delighted the facility equipment funds are back in the budget,” said Stewart. “This will strengthen our partnership with Waukesha County as classroom renovations take place on our campus.”
The budget next moves to the Assembly where legislators will make further modifications before it goes to a conference committee and then on to the governor to be signed into law. The UW’s budget proposals would provide for increasing enrollments by more than 2600 students state-wide and, ultimately, would greatly increase the number of college graduates coming into Wisconsin’s workforce. The proposal is aimed squarely at increasing Wisconsin’s per capita income which now lags $1300 below the national per capita average.
“The Senate has demonstrated an understanding of how important these issues are to maintaining the quality of the UW System and its ability to meet the needs of Wisconsin’s citizens,” said William Messner, chancellor of the UW Colleges. “The state is the ultimate winner if the UW System can use its resources to promote the economic development of Wisconsin.” |
