“On behalf of the University of Wisconsin System, we salute the legislature for approving this state budget today. We greatly appreciate the initiative of Governor Jim Doyle, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, and other leaders who worked to craft this compromise budget.
“As word of this action spreads to campuses and communities statewide, it provides peace of mind for students and taxpayers alike, as well as clear direction for our campuses.
“Equally important is the message sent by our legislature to future generations—that our public university will always be an accessible, affordable institution of promise. By investing today in the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin, legislators will help more of their constituents transform educational opportunity into lifelong success.
“Together with essential increases in financial aid, the state’s investment in higher education puts Wisconsin in a solid position to compete and win in the knowledge economy. As educational attainment rises, so too will per-capita income. As wages increase, the tax base will broaden to support core public services. With increased scientific research on UW campuses, high-tech discoveries will produce high-growth, homegrown businesses. This is the best recipe for statewide prosperity.
“Efforts to build that brighter future start today. We invite all of Wisconsin’s elected officials to work collaboratively with the Board of Regents and UW System leadership as we begin a strategic planning process that addresses issues of critical concern to our university and our entire state.
“The UW System is an invaluable economic asset for Wisconsin, and we need to leverage that strategic advantage more effectively for the future.”