Category: State news

The University of Wisconsin System was a bit late to the digital education party, but at least it?s not a no-show.The UW System is moving toward a “flexible degree” program built on flat-fee, at-your-own-pace online education, news that should be applauded by prospective students, business owners and state legislators. That?s true even if some elements of the education community itself remain suspicious of how well it will work.

A highly anticipated report ordered by Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature and released on Monday recommended no changes to Wisconsin?s $77 billion pension system.

MADISON ? A highly anticipated report ordered by Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature and released on Monday recommended no changes to Wisconsin?s $77 billion pension system.

MADISON (WKOW) – A celebration marked the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Camp Randall?s arch and Memorial Park. State officials in attendance said Camp Randall serves as a symbol of the sacrifices of the 91,000 Wisconsin soldiers who served during the Civil War. “We?re honoring that generation, really, that built the foundation right here on these campus grounds,” said John Scocos, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

A highly anticipated report ordered by Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature is recommending no changes to Wisconsins $77 billion pension system.

When it comes to state retirement systems, Wisconsin has the best in the nation, according to one key observer. The Pew Center on the States says that Wisconsin alone out of the 50 states has set aside enough money to meet its promises to public workers. That?s a good reason for the administration of Gov. Scott Walker and other state officials to leave well enough alone as they study the state system. The state Department of Employee Trust Funds and the Walker administration are expected to issue a joint report soon assessing the $77 billion pension funds for both state and local workers and recommending changes. While other states have moved toward 401(k) plans like those offered by private businesses, we think the Pew report and other consistent measures of the Wisconsin pension system?s health suggest that isn?t necessary here. In other words, why fix what?s not broken?

Wisconsin needs more college degree holders. Our state is below the national average for percentage of residents with a bachelor?s degree ? 25.8 percent, compared to 27.9 percent nationwide.

Earlier this month, officials from the University of Wisconsin announced the school?s plans for a ?flexible degree? program, which would allow students to enroll when it suits them, study online at their own pace ? and gain academic credit for knowledge they?ve acquired outside the classroom.

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin is the only state in the nation to receive high marks for its public employee pension system. The Pew Center on the States report says only Wisconsin has enough money set aside to meet its current obligations for pensions. The “solid performer” ranking is for fiscal year 2010. That?s before Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature required public employees to contribute more to their pension.

Scott Spector is attempting to remake progressive politics in Wisconsin. A native of Oceanside, New York, Spector, 31, became politically active as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison over a decade ago, as a representative in student government as well as the campus director for New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley?s unsuccessful presidential campaign.

When Gov. Scott Walker on Monday announced plans for a new online education program PDF at the University of Wisconsin System, it was news not just to the public, but to most UW staff and many high-level administrators.

A new self-paced, competency-based program for finishing a college degree online, and ostensibly making college more affordable and accessible, was announced Tuesday by Gov. Scott Walker and two top University of Wisconsin System officials.

Ron Biendseil spent 25 years in public service, most of it as coordinator for the Dane County Youth Commission. While with the county, Biendseil worked to curb teen violence, reduce alcohol and drug use and generally improve the lives of young people. In other words, hard work for a good cause. Now retired, Biendseil counts on a monthly payout of $1,500 from the Wisconsin Retirement System to supplement his Social Security income. But Biendseil and thousands of other current or retired public employees in Wisconsin are worried about their financial future ? and with good reason. Employee pensions are the latest target of small-government advocates looking to cut taxes and reduce spending.

Wisconsin was the only state in 2010 to fully fund its pension plan and was only one of seven states to fund 25 percent of its health care liabilities, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States.

Wisconsin?s public colleges and universities aren?t making the grade as tuition continues to rise at three times the rate of inflation and student loan debt soars, according to a sobering state-by-state “Leaders & Laggards” report card issued Tuesday in Washington.

When it comes to Wisconsin politics, divisions begin at the local level. But one group looks to put the issues into a new light, by resurrecting an old idea. The Wisconsin Idea has been reborn, and is taking on the hard hitting issues from around the state, with people from right here in the Northwoods.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will be in Green Bay this morning to announce what is described as “a major University of Wisconsin System economic development initiative.”

Dropping out of the Wisconsin state pension system could be tempting to some government employees, but experts say it would cloud their future financial well-being while potentially undermining a pension fund ? now one of the country?s strongest ? by reducing participation. Some critics of public employee pensions, however, say workers should have more options to make government employment more attractive, while opponents of government spending say the state system is too costly because it collects $1.5 billion in tax-funded employer and employee contributions annually.

The wave of public sector retirements that occurred last year after Gov. Scott Walker introduced sweeping collective bargaining changes hasn?t carried over into 2012, though the number of retirement applications is still up from 2010. There were 4,552 retirement applications in the first four months of this year, according to the Department of Employee Trust Funds. That?s down from 7,876 last year, but up 12 percent from 4,063 in 2010.

I recently attended my daughter?s graduation ceremony from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As I listened to the chancellor and various other speakers, I wondered to myself, why isn?t the governor of our state here?

Leaders of the Wisconsin State Employees Union have held off an attempt by angry prison guards and others to win key executive board seats in the wake of the failed recall attempt against Gov. Scott Walker. At least some union members continue to question the union?s pre-primary endorsement of Kathleen Falk and donations to her campaign after polls showed her behind eventual Democratic Party nominee Tom Barrett, said Dan Meehan, a prison guard who narrowly lost a bid for statewide vice president at the union?s annual convention over the weekend. “Rage is what it is ? absolutely, completely,” Meehan said. “My members don?t feel they?ve got a voice anymore.”