MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — A spokesman says UW System officials are “astounded” that Republican lawmakers are considering a budget cut.
In a statement, Universities of Wisconsin Director of Media Relations Mark Pitsch noted that the UW System budget has endured cuts for more than a decade, and Wisconsin has fallen to 44th of out of 50 states nationally in public funding.
Pitsch said that is not sustainable if Wisconsin wants to win the War for Talent, and the proposed $87 million cut in state funding would put access and affordability in deep jeopardy. He said over 500 business leaders and 20 business organizations statewide signed a letter of support for more investment in the universities, and that a cut would be devastating to campuses and communities.