Wiley statement on Senate package

UW-MADISON CHANCELLOR JOHN WILEY’S STATEMENT ON THE SENATE DEMOCRAT HIGHER EDUCATION BUDGET PACKAGE

“I appreciate the Senate Democrats’ vote of confidence in the University of Wisconsin System and the Economic Stimulus Package. I believe the proposal sends a clear message that the state’s flagship institution, like all UW campuses, should have the support it needs to remain one of this country’s top universities, without cutting enrollment.

“Though the Senate Democrats’ plan would still cut almost $8 million from the campus budget over the two years of the biennium to help deal with the state’s budget deficit, it provides enough funding to continue the Madison Initiative, a public-private partnership that is our part of the systemwide economic stimulus package. This would allow us to continue receiving matching dollars from organizations such as WARF and the UW Foundation, which are committed to being the state’s partner in providing a quality education to our students and improving our state’s economy.

“The plan also helps keep this campus affordable. While it maintains an 8 percent cap on tuition increases for residents, it also provides more financial aid for students and ties future financial aid increases to tuition increases, which greatly enhances our ability to attract a more diverse student body.

“It is my hope that the budget that is adopted by the full Legislature and signed by the governor will also recognize the role this university plays in educating tomorrow’s workforce and strengthening our state’s economy.”