Give University of Wisconsin the freedom to deal with cuts

State money is tight. But so are state mandates. That?s why incoming Gov. Scott Walker should accept UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin?s smart bid for greater flexibility. Martin understands the state is facing a more than $3 billion budget shortfall. She gets it that Walker doesn?t want to raise taxes. So she?s diligently preparing for flat or falling aid to University of Wisconsin System schools, including the flagship campus in Madison. Instead of whining about looming cuts like other local officials, Martin is highlighting ways the state can “help us help ourselves.”