Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin and failed Republican presidential candidate, boasted in a recent op-ed about lowering the cost of tuition. However, as Think Progress reported, things are far from rosy in Wisconsin’s universities, which have recently lost $250 million of funding.
Along with his attack on tenure, this has started a brain drain from Wisconsin. Professors are leaving the state, headed for greener pastures, many taking their research funding with them. Walker said in that op-ed that:
“I am proud that, for the first time ever, we froze tuition at all University of Wisconsin (UW) campuses for four years in a row.”
He then went on to talk about how the state’s universities are actually doing great under his tenure:
“While there has been a great deal of talk about finances, it is important to note the overall UW System budget this year is the highest it has ever been, and the next state budget automatically starts with $50 million added to the base for the UW System budget.”
The budget is high, but not thanks to Walker — state funding is at an all-time low.
The university system depends on private individuals and the federal government for its cash. Meanwhile, $250 million of taxpayers’ money, the amount cut from the universities, is going to a new basketball stadium instead.
Walker has faced recent calls from political and academic figures on his harsh budget, as reported by WPR. Former Lieutenant Governor, Margaret Farrow, has called on the governor to be flexible when it comes to the budget:
“I think we have a huge responsibility to keep our buildings, much less our faculty and students, safe and really ready to confront the rest of the world,” said Farrow.
Meanwhile, Joe Wineke, former Chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party questioned how the University can continue at its current standard with stagnating funding.
“Where is this university system supposed to get its money if the state support isn’t there – and it’s actually real cuts – and they can’t use any tuition money?”
Walker shows no signs of changing his mind on his savage cuts. Looks like we’re going to have to find out:
Featured Image by Gage Skidmore Via Flickr/CC By SA-2.0.
