The Candidates Respond: Mark Green, Republican

Wisconsin Week: The University of Wisconsin has been described as an economic engine for the state. What do you believe are the three greatest economic benefits it brings?

Mark Green: As graduates of UW-Eau Claire and UW–Madison, so much of who my wife, Sue, and I are is a result of the great education we got from UW. The UW system trains our young people for the future, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to be successful and providing Wisconsin employers with a consistent stream of talented employees. It is also a world-class research facility in countless areas with national an international reputations for excellence. Finally, the presence of a world-class university in Wisconsin makes our state more appealing for employers looking for places to base and expand their operations.

WW: Currently the state contributes about 19 percent to UW–Madison’s overall budget. What’s your position on future state support for UW–Madison?

MG: No governor has cut more funding from the UW than Jim Doyle. In fact, while Jim Doyle increased overall state spending by $2 billion, he cut UW funding by $250 million. My priorities would be different, but I will insist that any funding increases come with action by the UW to reform its operations. I am committed to making the UW the envy of the nation, but we need UW leadership to be a partner with the state, not an adversary as we work to chart the future of higher education.

WW: How do you plan to address the issue of higher- education affordability for Wisconsin residents?

MG: In the last four years, UW tuition for Wisconsin kids has gone up 50 percent, while tuition was cut in the last budget for out-of-state students. Too many Wisconsin families are being priced out of a college education. In my first budget I will limit tuition increases to the rate of inflation and tie increases in financial aid directly to tuition hikes.

I am open to more state funding for the UW and would expect that any increase in state aid, as well as operational savings we find through a comprehensive audit, will be used to minimize tuition increases.

WW: What is your position on the status of future embryonic stem-cell research in Wisconsin?

MG: I support the research currently being conducted at UW–Madison with federal funds. I worked in Congress to secure funding for Wisconsin research and to establish the national stem-cell bank at UW–Madison. I also voted to double research funding for the National Institutes of Health. I have proposed $25 million in state funding for new stem-cell research that will be overseen by WiCell. When Jim Doyle says I oppose stem-cell research, he is simply not telling the truth.

WW: What do you believe are the three greatest challenges facing UW–Madison?

MG: First, regaining the public’s trust in the wake of several recent scandals. Taxpayers and parents must feel confident that their dollars are being used effectively and efficiently.

Second, rebuilding the fractured relationship between the UW and the Legislature. I hope to build a bridge between the two so we can work together to make UW great again.

Finally, we need to make sure the UW System continues to provide Wisconsin kids a world-class education, helps build a workforce that will remain here in Wisconsin to work and raise a family. I want to see more research done by all our UW campuses, and we need to build an even stronger relationship between UW schools and local economies.