Each year, the UW System Board of Regents is tasked with outlining what they would like included in the overall state budget that is proposed by the governor. Although we don’t yet know who Wisconsin’s next governor will be, the regents have outlined a request that centers on three broad goals:
- Improving college affordability
- Addressing Wisconsin’s workforce shortages
- Accelerating research and economic development
What are the highlights of the regent’s budget request?
The first major initiative announced was a proposal to train 35,000 new health care professionals across Wisconsin in the next decade. The Universities of Wisconsin are asking for a $90 million investment across the state’s 13 public universities to accomplish the goal.
The Cures for Tomorrow proposal also concerns health care, with a request for a $25 million state investment to advance cures and treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other devastating diseases.
Two initiatives aim to address research and innovation. The Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals aim to create 300,000 career-ready workers, upskill one million workers and create 2,500 new businesses over the next decade.
Finally, the Universities of Wisconsin are proposing a four-year tuition pledge that would freeze tuition over the two following years, provided the state supports the freeze and other operating needs at a cost of $190 million. In addition, they would implement a work-and-learn program, which would pair last-dollar financial aid with a work or career preparation commitment from families earning below the Wisconsin household median income.
What happens next with the budget proposal?
After board approval on August 20, the budget was sent to the Wisconsin Department of Administration for consideration. The next biennial budget will be compiled by Wisconsin’s new governor.
