Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Big promises, big questions

A spokesperson for a leading Wisconsin legislator said Monday Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed $225 million investment in the UW System will fall on taxpayers' backs.

"What we're seeing is a lot of big pieces and big promises," said Mike Mikalsen, a spokesperson for Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. "But we're wondering how he's going to find the funding."

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Doyle promised to include the multi-million dollar investment in his biennial budget proposal to help the UW System graduate more teachers, nurses and engineers.

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Doyle said he would also include investments aimed at increasing faculty and the number of adult students systemwide, increasing UW-Green Bay's enrollment and an investment in UW-Milwaukee's research capacity.

Although the true source of the funding is still unknown, Mikalsen said Wisconsin taxpayers should start gearing up for a "full-frontal assault."

"It's likely that they'll have to pony up quite a bit," Mikalsen said. "And Republicans will be the last line of defense for the average taxpayer."

Despite the skepticism, Doyle spokesperson Carla Vigue said the governor is committed to providing the UW System the proposed funding.

"Education has always been one of the governor's top priorities," Vigue said. "This funding is just more effort on his part to help increase the number of college graduates and the number of educated workers the state needs to grow."

Republicans and Democrats in the state Legislature have starkly different views concerning the proposed funding, however.

In a statement submitted to The Badger Herald, Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, said the UW System has "taken its hits lately," and that it "definitely" saw its share of cuts in the last budget.

"Our university system is one of Wisconsin's greatest assets," said Smith, who sits on Nass' committee. "I agree with the governor that the time has come to start to restore some of that funding to the UW System and make sure our kids can get the best education and training possible."

And in light of past budget cuts, UW-Madison Provost Patrick Farrell said Doyle's proposal shows a good sign of confidence.

"It's encouraging for the university, and hopefully a really good investment for the state," Farrell said.

Farrell added there's a responsibility for the university to put the money to good use.

Although the Legislature can't seem to agree on most of the budget, one subject that both parties did agree on is the need to graduate more nurses, engineers and teachers.

"We have a real shortage of nurses and engineers in the state," said Chuck Pruitt, chair of the UW System Board of Regents' business, finance and audit committee. "So in terms of growing the Wisconsin economy, that's very important."

Mikalsen agreed with Pruitt's sentiment and said the addition of more nurses and engineers was definitely needed to improve the state's economy. Even still, he said, he questions how the governor plans to find the funds.

"It looks as though this is going to be a classic, 'I'm going to offer everything for everyone and leave it to the Legislature' kind of mess … and the state doesn't have the money," Mikalsen said. "On paper the plan is great, but someone is going to have to feel the final blow … and I'm afraid it's going to be the taxpayers."

Rep. Rich Zipperer, R-Pewaukee, and Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, both of whom sit on the Committee for Colleges and Universities, declined comment until the governor reveals a more detailed budget plan.

— Tom Schalmo contributed to this report

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