UW System President Ray Cross and UW–Eau Claire Chancellor Jim Schmidt testified before the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee today.
Cross summed up his testimony with three requests: approve the UW System Authority, approve the dedicated and stable funding stream, and reduce the proposed $300 million budget cut.
“The reforms we are pursuing are the result of experiences I gained while working in Michigan, Minnesota and New York. Wherever I have worked in higher education, I have seen similar, frustrating barriers to achieving efficiency and effectiveness,” Cross said. “The lack of flexibilities creates a tremendous burden on all of us, including taxpayers. This budget would change that.”
Cross’ full testimony can be read here.
Schmidt also voiced support for the dedicated funding stream and public authority, and reducing the size of the budget cut.
“If we move too quickly, and misstep, we can jeopardize the student educational experience and our ability to implement future changes. Yes, let’s empty the basket. But let’s not throw the basket away. Let’s not risk the long-term health of a nationally renowned university system for a short-term biennial budget fix,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt’s full testimony can be read here.