Is saving money for a rainy day good public policy? The answer ? in Wisconsin anyway ? appears to be based on which side of the political aisle you sit.
Our view: Uproar over surplus not helpful
LaCrosse Tribune
Category: State news
Walker to propose tuition freeze for UW
WISC-TV 3
Gov. Scott Walker plans to ask the Legislature to freeze tuition at the University of Wisconsin in light of reports that UW has $650 million in reserves.
Christian Schneider: The UW’s backward budgeting
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
In 1860, Wisconsin legislators were already beginning to question whether they were getting enough out of their investment in the University of Wisconsin. State government had spent over $100,000 to build the university, and critics believed the UW “was not rendering that large and practical service to education which the state expected.” In 1864, when all but one of the senior class joined the Army to fight in the Civil War – no commencement was held – it appeared the university might be headed for extinction.
School’s Reserve Fund Draws Ire
Wall Street Journal
Irate Wisconsin legislative leaders are threatening to withhold funds from the University of Wisconsin and force a tuition freeze after discovering the school has quietly amassed a $650 million reserve fund unbeknownst to lawmakers.
UW System President Kevin Reilly fields system surplus questions at Joint Committee on Employment Relations hearing
Daily Cardinal
The recent discussions over a $1 billion surplus in the University of Wisconsin System balance boiled over Tuesday as a planned discussion on the system?s Human Resources program before the state?s Joint Committee on Employment Relations turned into a heated question and answer session with UW System President Kevin Reilly.
The UW System’s “slush fund” — $1 billion, $207 million or what?
PolitiFact
The amount of excess cash in the University of Wisconsin System?s bank account is: A) “Nearly $1 billion” B) $648 million C) $207 million.
GOP lawmakers grill Reilly over UW surplus
Wisconsin Radio Network
Tuesday?s hearing of the legislature?s Joint Committee on Employment relations was scheduled well ahead of the news late last week concerning the University of Wisconsin System?s $648 million budget surplus. The agenda was to include testimony from UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW Madison Chancellor David Ward, regarding a proposed personnel system. Given the furor surrounding the surplus though, that was clearly not going to happen.
Letter: Budget Repair Bill still rattling state
Daily Cardinal
Across Wisconsin, many of us felt the spirit of radicalism in the air during 2011. Gov. Scott Walker?s Budget Repair Bill spurned an outburst of political protests from educators, students and legislators, throwing Madison into the national spotlight. Although we are two years from the protests, the topic is as relevant as ever.
State, UW leaders respond to surplus
Daily Cardinal
The release of a state audit that revealed the University of Wisconsin System held a balance of over $1 billion at the end of June 2012 has prompted discussion among state legislators, system administrators and campus leaders over the role of tuition dollars and cash reserves.
State weighs system funding in budget
Badger Herald
After the University of Wisconsin System called for a tuition increase despite holding over $1 billion in reserve funds, lawmakers have voiced plans for a possible budget reform for funding the system in the governor?s budget.
Walker says he won?t reduce funding request for UW
AP
MILWAUKEE ? Gov. Scott Walker says he is not looking to cut funding for the University of Wisconsin System in his proposed budget despite a report that it has amassed a huge tuition surplus.
Walker Not Looking to Cut UW Funding
NBC-15
Gov. Scott Walker says he is not looking to cut funding for the University of Wisconsin System in his proposed budget despite a report that it has amassed a huge tuition surplus.
City, UW-Madison seek input for reconstruction of State Street, Library Mall
Wisconsin State Journal
Now, the city and university are preparing to reconstruct the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street and Library Mall, the well-worn intersection linking the region?s most famed street and the recently constructed East Campus Mall, Bascom Hill and Memorial Union.
Republicans call for tuition freeze
Badger Herald
After University of Wisconsin officials announced plans for spending part of a $648 million surplus on Friday, the governor and state Republicans fired back by instead calling for a tuition freeze for students and condemning the system?s ?incompetence.?
Joint Finance Committee holds final official budget hearing
Daily Cardinal
The Joint Finance Committee held its final officially scheduled hearing sessions on Gov. Scott Walker?s biennial budget in Baldwin Thursday.
Interest rates on Stafford loans could double without congressional action
Superior Telegram
If Congress does not act, interest rates on a certain type of federal student loan may double, affecting more than 80,000 Wisconsin college students. But some doubt the impact on the overall economy.
State, student leaders review upcoming legislative agenda
Daily Cardinal
Two Wisconsin state legislators visited with the Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Committee Monday to discuss ongoing collaboration between student and state government leaders.
Ginseng board signs $200M deal in China
AP
MADISON ? One of China?s oldest and biggest medicine companies agreed Monday to sell only genuine Wisconsin ginseng at its 1,800 retail stores, an estimated $200 million deal that was finalized during Gov. Scott Walker?s trade mission to the world?s second-largest economy.
Sorensen: Governor?s budget deserves Legislature?s full support
Chippewa Herald
The Legislature?s Joint Finance Committee will be in western Wisconsin next week at Baldwin-Woodville High School to hear public opinion on Gov. Walker?s proposed 2013-15 state budget. The fate of this budget will help determine the quality of education at UW-Stout and on other UW campuses for years to come.
UW Outreach Event Coming To Burlington
Kenosha News
All things UW will be highlighted at a University of Wisconsin Outreach Day April 26 at Burlington High School, 400 McCanna Parkway. UW-Madison and UW-Extension are inviting the public to see what the system offers as part of a statewide effort to bring UW research and resources to communities across Wisconsin.
Students advocate tuition cap in talk to lawmakers
Badger Herald
A group of about 20 University of Wisconsin students traveled to the Wisconsin Dells Wednesday to advocate for increased funding for state higher education and the implementation of a tuition cap in front of the state?s budget committee.
Wisconsin governor prepares for trade mission to China
AP
Noted: Walker is leading a state delegation that includes leaders of the University of Wisconsin and the heads of major companies, including Oshkosh Corp., Harley-Davidson, Solaris and Badger State Ethanol.
ASM Student Regent Campaign moves forward in state legislature
Daily Cardinal
The Student Regent Campaign, a student-led initiative within this year?s Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Committee, could be signed into state law this legislative session.
Union membership decreases in Wisconsin
Badger Herald
Two years after a law passed restricting collective bargaining rights for many public employee unions, union membership has plunged in two major organized labor delegations, and 93 percent fewer workers received raises.
In post-union era, state employees get higher raises, but for fewer workers
Wisconsin State Journal
n the first round of pay increases for Wisconsin state employees since union contracts were invalidated, supervisors delivered an average 6.52 percent boost to 2,757 workers, roughly one in 14 of those eligible.
Morning briefing: Ron Johnson, UW research grant, state worker raises, quarries, jobless benefits
Capital Times
Take a look at the stories from around our area and world that are making news today.
Blank hired as UW-Madison chancellor
Wisconsin Radio Network
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has approved Rebecca Blank as the next UW-Madison chancellor.
Regents explore budget outlook
Daily Cardinal
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents delved deeper into the details of Gov. Scott Walker?s biennial budget Thursday, emphasizing how his proposal would keep tuition down while helping to grow Wisconsin?s workforce if passed in its current form.
College champion: Smith to depart UW Board of Regents
LaCrosse Tribune
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse says it will lose a key ally next month when Brent Smith?s term as UW System regent expires.
UW Day to Showcase Innovation at Capitol
NBC-15
Some of the best thinking from the University of Wisconsin system is about to go on display at the Capitol.
University shifts focus to non-resident students in lieu of state funding
The Michigan Daily
Thousands of University students pack their bags each winter and hop on an AirBus headed toward the airport. Once they arrive, they disperse to 50 states and 127 countries.
UW System officials support provisions in Walker budget
Badger Herald
Heads of each University of Wisconsin System school, the UW System president and two Board of Regents leaders expressed support for the state budget?s funding and flexibility for the system Monday.
UW-Madison campus projects clear first hurdle
The Country Today
MADISON ? A $32-million addition to Babcock Hall and a $42.8-million Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory were among the UW-Madison projects given preliminary approval by the State Building Commission March 20 at a meeting in Madison.
Steve Wilcox: Rep. Duey Stroebel just continuing public employee bashing
Wisconsin State Journal
Rep. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, wants to make changes to the state pension system so that payments are based on an employee?s highest five years of salary rather than three.
Chris Rickert: It appears SWIB is playing favorites
Wisconsin State Journal
Using state pension funds to spur economic development “does not meet our fiduciary duty,” the entity responsible for overseeing those funds, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, said late last year.
Fallone faces long odds in Supreme Court bid – THonline.com: Iowa-Illinois-Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. — Ed Fallone is trying to do something that?s only happened five times in 161 years: defeat a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice.
Will Judge Rebecca St. John’s appointment by Scott Walker decide her election bid?
Capital Times
Once again, a race for Dane County Circuit Court may largely be decided based on one candidate?s association with Gov. Scott Walker.
Reilly asks for no tuition cap
Badger Herald
University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly asked the Legislature Thursday to avoid capping tuition, although he assured lawmakers students would see the smallest tuition increase in recent years.
UW system head likes governor?s budget
Wisconsin Radio Network
University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly testifies before the legislature?s budget committee in favor of the governor?s budget proposal. ?If the governor?s proposed budget passes as is, we could see the lowest tuition increases in the UW in a decade, which would clearly be welcome news to our 180,000+ students and their families.?
Wisconsin Energy Institute to publicly open in early April
Badger Herald
The Wisconsin Energy Institute, which represents the sustainable and collaborative research it houses to find new ways to reduce and conserve energy, will open to the public in early April.
The Badger Herald · Analysis: Walker?s budget to let DOA sell state-owned properties
Badger Herald
A nonpartisan Wisconsin legislative analysis agency?s report released last week brought to light a provision of Gov. Scott Walker?s proposed biennial budget allowing a state department to sell or lease state-owned properties.
New state budget: Faculty raises, tuition break?
Pierce County Herald
RIVER FALLS — Gov. Scott Walker?s biennial budget proposal might be good news for both staff and students at University of Wisconsin campuses.
State to have increased power to sell property under Gov. Walker budget
Wisconsin State Journal
MADISON ? The state would have much broader power to sell or lease state-owned properties ? including buildings overseen by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents ? under Gov. Scott Walker?s proposed 2013-15 budget, according to a newly released budget summary by the state?s nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
UW System faculty receive overpayments
Badger Herald
Out of the University of Wisconsin System?s thousands of salaried employees, 60 surpassed a soon-to-be eliminated cap on how much extra work they can be paid for.
Group shows cost behind Wisconsin’s drinking culture
WSAU News
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) – Health organizations, law enforcement, and community leaders are seeking changes to Wisconsin?s alcohol culture and laws. Health First Wisconsin released a study done by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute showing the real cost of excess alcohol consumption is 6.8 billion dollars annually in Wisconsin alone. This includes alcohol related health care, premature deaths, lost work time, traffic crashes, and court cases.
Report: Excessive drinking costs Wisconsin billions
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — A study released Tuesday highlight?s Wisconsin?s problems with excessive drinking.The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project at the University of Wisconsin Law School released a first-of-its-kind report, “The Burden of Excessive Alcohol Use in Wisconsin.”
Report: 60 UW employees got more extra pay than allowed
WSAU News
MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – University of Wisconsin employees are limited by state law to $12,000 a year in extra pay for academic duties.
Anthropology Mocked as U.S. Governors Push for Employable Grads
Bloomberg News
Republican governors in at least three states are pushing to link funding for universities to graduates? success finding jobs, saying schools need to provide students with the skills employers demand.
Thousands of fans visit Madison for boy’s basketball tournament
WKOW-TV 27
Navigating through downtown Thursday night was tougher than usual with thousands of fans heading to the Kohl Center for the boy?s state basketball tournament.
UW official: UW lands not at risk of being sold
WISC-TV 3
he governors latest budget proposal would allow for the sale of state property to help pay down the states debt, but a University of Wisconsin System official says UW lands arent likely at risk.
UW Faculty Member Dreams of Murdering Governor Walker
Newstalk 1130, Milwaukke
The folks at the MacIver Institute are some of the finest investigative reporters in the state, and they?ve proven it again with this exposé of an ahem vocal opponent of the mining bill:
UW expects lowest tuition increase in years
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Madison – The next two-year budget for the University of Wisconsin System will be the first since the 1980s that isn?t built around state funding cuts or expected state budget lapses if the Legislature doesn?t dramatically change what?s been proposed by Gov. Scott Walker.
UW regents discuss proposed new 2-year budget
WKOW-TV 27
The University of Wisconsin System board of regents is meeting to discuss the governor?s proposed two-year budget.
UW regents to discuss proposed new 2-year budget
WISC-TV 3
The University of Wisconsin System board of regents is meeting to discuss the governors proposed two-year budget, which includes $181 million in new taxpayer investments in the UW System.
Former adidas workers speak to UW students about fight for severance pay
Daily Cardinal
More than 80 University of Wisconsin-Madison students gathered Tuesday to listen to two Indonesian workers from an adidas-contracted factory share their struggles to get severance pay, in an event hosted by the Student Labor Action Coalition.
Quick Question: Should state employees who smoke be charged $50 a month more for their health insurance?
Capital Times
On general principle it?s reasonable to expect people who engage in risky behavior to pay more for their health insurance. On the other hand, that (surcharge) increases the cost of smoking quite a bit. I?m not a smoker and I have a limited amount of sympathy for them, but the amount employees should pay for their health insurance should be subject to negotiation between the state and their union.?
Public worker retirees take another pension hit
Capital Times
Longtime participants in the Wisconsin Retirement System will see another cut in their monthly pension checks as the state continues to smooth out losses from the 2008 stock market plunge.
11 ways the budget sequester could affect Wisconsinites
Wisconsin State Journal
No one can say with certainty how the automatic spending cuts that kick in Friday will affect Wisconsin. Some federal services will continue uninterrupted; others will be scaled back as furloughs begin, likely next month. Here are some of the changes officials say are likely over the next few months if Congress doesnt reverse the cuts.
Walker sees little impact from cuts
Badger Herald
Gov. Scott Walker and other Republican governors criticized the president?s across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to take effect this week during a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
Legislators favor UW tuition cap
Badger Herald
Legislators from both parties have reacted positively to including a tuition cap in the state?s biennial budget, a measure University of Wisconsin System officials said may not be necessary.