Gov. Walker’s Budget Proposal Raises Concern
Gov. Scott Walker. Photo courtesy of flickr.com

Gov. Walker’s Budget Proposal Raises Concern

 

Gov. Scott Walker announced his state budget proposal on Jan. 27, including a biennium funding cut of $300 million for the University of Wisconsin System.

The budget must be voted on by the state legislature. If it passes, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will lose about 17 percent of its state support – around $6 to $7 million. A cut of this magnitude would likely result in layoffs. It is aimed at saving taxpayers about $150 million annually.

The dollar amount of the cut would be less at UWSP than other schools, but it would still have a substantial impact.

Edward Miller, a professor of political science, has been teaching at UWSP longer than any other faculty member and has seen many budgetary issues throughout the years.

He said the cut would cause significant damage to UWSP and every other campus, but does not think it will be as drastic as proposed.

In addition to the cut, Walker plans for the  UW System to receive a block grant from the state, allowing it to have authority over its own spending.

Walker aims to give the UW System flexibility with its use of state resources to maintain college affordability with an additional two-year tuition freeze. After the freeze, the UW System Authority institutions will be allowed to adjust tuition based on demand, creating a more competitive market.

Miller said the authority is unlikely to go through because legislators will not want to lose control of tuition.

“He would essentially repeal Chapter 36, which is the statute on the UW System,” Miller said.

This statute has rules enacted by the Board of Regents.

The UW System would have independent authority to establish policy on employee matters, including sick leave, tenure and shared governance. Miller said these are important issues that affect the university’s ability to attract quality faculty and keep them at UWSP.

“Our salaries have not increased in well over 10 years,” Miller said.

He said when the university does not attract top-notch faculty, there is a loss of quality programs, which leads to a loss of students – it is all a balancing act for a mid-size university in a rural area.

“Education has huge economic benefits, and that is especially true for a small community like Stevens Point,” Miller said. “This would reverberate through the rest of the community.”

The Student Government Association is already looking at lobbying efforts and what the best options are for the university and future students.

“The state wouldn’t have to pay, but these costs don’t go away,” said Chris Slattery, the president of SGA. “The tuition would be frozen, but at some point there would be a structural deficit.”

Slattery thinks the autonomy could have benefits and drawbacks.

“It’s the devils in the details,” Slattery said.

As far as Walker’s aspired presidency goes, anything could happen.

“He really isn’t up on foreign policy, which will be a struggle for him,” Miller said. “He thinks being hard will get him far, and he will not admit that he is essentially a part-time governor.”

UWSP will be holding forums to engage students and community in the budget conversation:

  • Friday, January 30, 2 to 3 p.m., Alumni Room, DUC
  • Wednesday, February 4, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., CPS 116
  • Monday, February 9, 9 to 10 a.m., Alumni Room, DUC

The goal of these forums is to answer questions, provide updates, review what is not known yet and explain the next steps. It will also offer a time to voice concerns and suggestions.

In addition to this effort, Chancellor Bernie Patterson or Provost Greg Summers, the vice chancellor for academic affairs, will attend governance meetings to answer questions and provide information as it is available.

Patterson and Legislative Liaison Rob Manzke have two scheduled days of visits with key legislators. Patterson said it is important to encourage open and honest dialogue while remaining true to UWSP’s mission and values during this trying time.

 

MyKayla Hilgart

News and Environment Editor

mhilg143@uwsp.edu

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