University of Wisconsin System, which accounts for 9 percent of state spending, is taking 38 percent of the proposed budget cuts. This includes a $250 million budget cut, an up to 18 percent increase in tuition, and, thankfully, a massive 56 percent increase in financial aid. Yet, despite the magnitude of these disproportionate cuts, some legislators and journalists do not seem to understand why this isn’t a square deal.
When students came together to set their budget priorities at United Council’s December General Assembly, they knew they would play a part in solving the state’s fiscal woes. Despite some misgivings, students agreed to support an 8 percent tuition cap (the highest ever supported), a base budget cut that protected faculty, and at least an 8 percent financial aid increase.
As students, we saw the national trend was to raise taxes and slash higher education as a means of balancing budgets, but Wisconsin’s leaders promised to chart their own course and not follow the mistakes of others. We supported our elected leaders and their vision, setting reasonable priorities that reflected the promises of recent political campaigns not to raise taxes or fees to make up for the state’s fiscal mismanagement.
However, students and hard-working families across Wisconsin will be paying a lot more for one state service next year–a UW education, and they will be getting a lot less bang for their buck. While the 18 percent tuition increase will help offset the $250 million base budget cut, there will still be significant faculty layoffs, fewer classes, larger classes, and the elimination of numerous majors and programs.
Additionally, while the 56 percent increase in financial aid will help maintain essential access to higher education, all the money was a one-time transfer from UW Auxiliaries like housing and food service, which students already pay for. So, the next budget will be short $23.6 million in financial aid, and we all know where legislators will look to fill that hole. In short, students are paying far more than their fair share.
To make sure their voices will be heard, United Council and students from all 26 campuses will be running the “Campaign to Fund Wisconsin’s Future.” The goals of are simple: UW System cannot afford any more budget cuts, and some funding needs to be restored to the UW System so the proposed tuition increase can be lowered. The campaign will include a grassroots postcard effort, lobby visits, and will culminate in a statewide rally at the Capitol at 1 p.m. April 3.
Higher education did not create this budget deficit. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, UW System grew less than 1 percent over the last decade while corrections, for example, grew over 200 percent. Yet, despite dwindling funding, UW System continues to serve 33 percent of Wisconsin high school graduates and operate with a less than 6 percent administrative cost. Quite frankly, UW System is one of the finest institutions of higher education and research in the country, but cuts of this magnitude will not sustain a nationally competitive system of higher education.
It is not that we are whiny or unwilling to do our share. However, students and the UW System simply cannot continue to absorb significant, unbalanced funding cuts. Because of this budget, students will pay $150 million for a $100 million less in education. This budget will hurt the quality of education, reduce enrollment, limit access, and significantly increase student debt. The bottom line is that this it is not a square deal for students, and we will organize across the state to ensure the legislature “Funds Wisconsin’s Future” and makes students their priority.