Statement by Jay L. Smith
President, University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
“We are very appreciative of the action by the Senate Democratic Caucus today to restore $41.7 million of the $61.9 million reduction to the UW budget recommended by the Joint Finance Committee. It is a strong statement of priorities that recognizes the contribution the UW System makes to economic development. We need to continue to look ahead to the long-term economic health of the state and we know that legislators from both political parties share that goal as well. There is a high return on investment in training more graduates in high demand fields when 82 percent of resident graduates stay and work in Wisconsin. We look forward to the swift conclusion of the budget process so we can enroll as many students as resources will permit and keep the university working on behalf of Wisconsin’s citizens.”
Statement by Katharine C. Lyall
President, University of Wisconsin System
“The action by Senate Democrats today to restore funding cut from the UW System in earlier legislative action is most welcome and will directly benefit not only our students and staff, but also the communities around the state that depend economically on their local UW campuses. These actions also protect private funds that have been pledged to our campuses for programs to stimulate the state economy. We hope for swift action by the Senate, conference committee and Governor to finalize the budget repair bill so that we may move forward to admit students to our fullest capacity, to resume hiring faculty and staff and to implement the plans in place to build programs in high-demand workforce areas and enroll more students in those fields.”