October 25, 2024
A study committee on the future of the University of Wisconsin System considered a lengthy list of potential recommendations Thursday that might go to the state Legislature, including separating UW-Madison from the UW System and putting more oversight and limits in place.
The committee, which is made up of 14 members, was tasked with creating legislative proposals to help address ongoing concerns, including financial issues and enrollment, throughout the UW System. It’s been meeting since July.
The current state of funding for the UW System framed Thursday’s discussion. Committee co-chair Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) called the UW’s biennial budget request that the state provide an additional $855 million in the next state budget an “unrealistic” increase from the current $1.3 billion in general purpose revenue.
The budget request, according to UW System leaders, would bring the UW campuses to the middle of the pack in terms of state support for public universities across the nation. The additional funding would support an array of priorities, including 8% wage increases for UW staff over the biennium; general operations to help universities meet rising costs through state support rather than additional tuition dollars; mental health services, academic and career advising and civil dialogue training; and investments in innovations.