The Wisconsin State Journal online published an editorial about how certain Assembly Republicans, including Sheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg) and Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center), disagree with Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch's (R-West Salem) proposed budget that guts the UW system. The complete article can be found here, but I've quoted some of it below.
"With the Assembly version of the budget this year, the campus will not be able to replace any of those vacant positions, creating an even bigger hole, " Albers wrote.
"It is of great concern to me that students at UW-Baraboo are being short changed, " Albers continued.
State budget negotiators should at least cover the "cost to continue " for UW-Baraboo, Albers said. "Cost to continue " is budget jargon that means providing enough new money for existing programs and services to keep pace with rising costs, such as utility bills and health expenses.
Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, similarly wrote to state budget negotiators in recent weeks. Schultz expressed concern that the Assembly version of the budget would harm UW-Platteville, which he called "a major economic force and employer in my district. "
....
The strong statements from Albers and Schultz show that the battle over UW System funding in the state budget is not a partisan one. Lawmakers from both major political parties understand that higher education in Wisconsin has suffered from flat state funding for years.
It 's now time for UW System -- which touches every part of the state, not just Madison -- to get a reasonable increase. Skimping on higher education is the wrong approach for Wisconsin to succeed in the global economy.
Wisconsin needs more college graduates to attract more high-paying jobs. Those jobs are key to keeping Wisconsin 's economy going for the good of all citizens.
I could add some commentary to the article, but really what else is needed? Basically even members of his own party are telling Rep. Huebsch (and his cronies like Rep. Nass who hate UW) to wake up and stop being stubborn on such an important issue like education.
I'm a very lucky person in that, as I am from Holmen, Wisconsin, Mike Huebsch is my glorious State Representative. I wrote to him, as a concerned constituent, about UW funding. This is what I received in response:
Dear Suchita,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding higher education in the State budget. The state of the University of Wisconsin System and its affordability is a key priority, and I appreciate your comments.
Assembly Republicans support the educational mission of the UW System but also realizes the advantageous effects of a high-paid, wasteful administration and the rising cost of college tuition. We have sought to prioritize the needs of students and Wisconsin families.
The Assembly Republican Majority Budget increases overall GPR for UW System by $62.3 million, a 3.03% increase over the base from the last biennium’s budget, and provides $25.8 million for UW Growth Initiatives. It also cuts bloated UW system administration, creates a 4-year, 4% tuition cap for students, and eliminates Tuition Remission for Illegal Aliens and Application Fee Increases.
Thank you, again, for your comments. Please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mike Huebsch
I find it oddly funny how he thinks that those numbers are an improvement or are somehow better for the University instead of actually fully funding it. It kind of makes me want to march up there and just shake him to wake him up.
