MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Assembly’s finance co-chair says the governor’s budget proposal to give the UW System autonomy from state oversight appears to be on life support.
Republican John Nygren said Tuesday he’s not convinced that the university Regents would make major changes with the autonomy that’s been long discussed.
GOP Governor Scott Walker offered to grant that autonomy, in exchange for a $300 million cut in state funding for the UW System over the next two years.
UW-Eau Claire has already announced an early retirement-style system to reduce its employment ranks in the wake of the proposed funding cut. Other schools said they would have to scale back programs as well.
A top aide to Senate Republican Steve Nass of Whitewater, a long-time critic of the UW, said the Walker plan is in “great jeopardy.”
Mike Mikalsen tells the AP that Nass will give Walker and the UW “one last chance to make the case” for the changes.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
