MADISON — The University of Wisconsin System’s net worth has increased.
Report: University of Wisconsin System’s net worth increased in fiscal year 2015
AP
Category: State news
Gearing up for voter ID in Wisconsin, again
Wisconsin Radio Network
With the first statewide election of the year just two weeks away, state officials are ramping up efforts to make sure the public is once again ready to comply with the state’s voter ID requirement.
Voter ID Law Will Be Back In Effect For This Month’s Election
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin voters will have to show a photo ID when they go to the polls for the spring primary in about two weeks on Feb. 16.
UW-Extension considers cutting services to absorb budget hit
Madison.com
University of Wisconsin-Extension officials want to absorb Gov. Scott Walker’s budget cuts by reducing the number of agents and researchers helping people with everything from growing crops to family finances.
Is Wisconsin lagging nation in support for higher ed?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
While much of the nation is steadily boosting state funding for higher education, several recent reports suggest the opposite is true in Wisconsin, though the governor’s office argues that’s not the full story.
Ray Cross says there’s a ‘delicate balance’ between tackling student debt, making college more affordable
Capital Times
University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross has backed Gov. Walker’s plan as “a good first step,” and in an interview broadcast Sunday on “UpFront with Mike Gousha,” he addressed what he called a “delicate balance” between tackling debt and making college more affordable for future students.
UW-Extension Officials Consider Service Consolidation
Wisconsin Public Radio
University of Wisconsin-Extension officials are mulling consolidating services across counties to absorb a budget hit.
UW-Extension mulls combining services to absorb budget hit
AP (via Channel3000.com)
University of Wisconsin-Extension officials are mulling consolidating services across counties to absorb a budget hit.
The two-year state budget Gov. Scott Walker signed in July cut $250 million from the UW System. Extension’s share of that cut is $7 million over the biennium.
Coyotes to be trapped, tagged for monitoring in Wauwatosa, West Allis
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: The Milwaukee County effort will include staff with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and researchers with the Urban Canid Project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Assembly committee OKs Walker college proposals
Madison.com
The bills include plans to lift the cap on tax-deductible student loan interest, boost grants for students and create internship coordinators. The Assembly’s universities committee passed the package on party-line votes, with all five Democrats on the panel voting against each measure.
Bill giving sexual assault victims amnesty from drinking tickets passes committee
Wisconsin State Journal
The Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety unanimously approved the proposal from Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, which has support from university officials, victim advocates and state and local law enforcement.
ALEC pushes for access to abuse-deterrent opioids | Politics and Elections | host.madison.com
Capital Times
Quoted: Joseph Glass, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who specializes in addiction and treatment, said expanding access to ADFs is not a panacea for the problem.
Senator proposes organ donation leave of absence
AP (via Channel3000.com)
University of Wisconsin doctors said the bill will help break down barriers and could lead to more organ donors.
“We need to be cognizant of what subtle disincentives are out there and try to remove as many as possible and job security is really important,” said Dr. Dixon Kaufman, the Chief of the Division of Transplantation (and professor of transplant surgery).
Feingold discusses the issue of student debt at UW-Madison
WKOW TV
The Wisconsin Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, Russ Feingold, spent Monday evening discussing college costs with the UW-Madison Chapter of College Democrats.
This is all part of a two-day tour of college campuses throughout the state of Wisconsin by the Feingold campaign. The candidate is addressing students at each stop on the burden of high cost of student debt.
Bill would provide amnesty for sexual assault victims
Channel3000.com
Noted: The bill is supported by Attorney General Brad Schimel and University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, who said avoiding citations for victims and their supporters is already policy on campus.
“We have been telling them if you are drinking but helping a friend we will focus on the sexual assault issue and not the drinking issue,” Blank said. “But I think being able to say under the law of Wisconsin this is not just our practice but this is the law does have a certain depth of convincingness to it.”
Bill aims to remove barriers from reporting sexual assaults by Wisconsin college students
Capital Times
Victims of sexual assault in Wisconsin wouldn’t get in trouble for underage drinking under a bill introduced by Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, backed by the University of Wisconsin and Attorney General Brad Schimel.
On Campus: Democrats in Legislature, Congress push their own college affordability bills
Wisconsin State Journal
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) joined a group of prominent Democrats last week to introduce federal bills that would make the first two years of community and technical college free for students, allow borrowers to refinance their student loans and ensure the Pell grant program for low-income college students will rise at the rate of inflation … In the Wisconsin Legislature on Monday, two Democrats introduced a bill that would go further in providing free education.
UW students fire back at state Sen. Steve Nass over political correctness remarks
Capital Times
The United Council of University of Wisconsin Students fired back at a state senator Monday, saying the efforts to improve the climate on campus for students of color are important for all students … State Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, vice-chairman of the University and Technical Colleges Committee, last week criticized UW System President Ray Cross for acknowledging that UW campuses had work still to do to improve the experience of students, faculty and staff of color.
Wisconsin Democrats offer alternatives to Scott Walker’s college affordability proposals
Capital Times
A proposal from Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, would increase the funding available for need-based grants awarded to University of Wisconsin System and technical college students. Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, introduced a proposal with Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, to make college debt-free for Wisconsin residents.
UW, law enforcement back bill to give victims of sexual assault amnesty from drinking tickets
Wisconsin State Journal
Victims of sexual assault and bystanders who call for help would not have to worry about citations or university discipline for underage drinking if a bill introduced Monday with support from UW-Madison and state law enforcement officials becomes law.
Lawmakers Look To Shield Sexual Assault Victims From Underage Drinking Citations
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin legislators are proposing a bill that would ensure sexual assault victims and others who report such crimes can’t be cited or disciplined for underage drinking.
Wisconsin bill would provide amnesty for sexual assault victims
AP
Wisconsin legislators are proposing a bill that would ensure sexual assault victims and reporters can’t be cited or disciplined for underage drinking.
Bill provides ticket amnesty for UW System students who report sexual assault
Wisconsin Radio Network
Legislation being proposed at the Capitol provides “ticket amnesty” for underage drinkers who report sexual assaults on UW campuses. With sexual assault remaining the most under reported crime, Attorney General Brad Schimel backs the legislation.
In Wisconsin, civil service change is another labor setback
AP (via WKOW TV)
Quoted: “The rationale the governor and Legislature is giving is they’re streamlining the process, making positions easier to fill,” said Will Jones, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor who specializes in labor history. “The question is, do you want to just fill them or put the most qualified people in those positions?”
Bill supported by Scott Walker would increase ’emergency’ aid to college students
Wisconsin State Journal
Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans in the Legislature want to expand programs like the one at MATC by providing $450,000 in state funding for emergency grants at technical colleges and the University of Wisconsin System’s two-year campuses. If the bill passes, experts say, it could make Wisconsin the first state in the country to fund such programs.
Wisconsin President Criticized for Meeting Students
Inside Higher Education
An influential Republican state senator has criticized Ray Cross, president of the University of Wisconsin System, for meeting with student leaders last week to talk about how to improve the climate for minority students, The Wisconsin State Journal reported.
Walker’s College Affordability Plan Gets Administrators’ Nod
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin’s higher education leaders told a panel of state lawmakers Thursday that they support Gov. Scott Walker’s plans to reduce higher education costs.
State budget committee co-chair uncertain if state can afford Gov. Walker’s college affordability package
WKOW TV
Republican legislators want to pass the six bills that make up Governor Walker’s college affordability package, but new budget projections could put it in jeopardy.
The average student loan borrower in Wisconsin pays off about $3,300 dollars in debt each year, but can only deduct up to $2,500 of the interest on those loans from their state income taxes.
Authors say GOP college affordability bills are better way to help students than refinancing
Wisconsin State Journal
Members of the state Assembly’s higher education committee sparred Thursday over the best way to help students manage the cost of going to college, with Republicans putting forward a package of bills that include new financial aid funding and a tax break for some student loan borrowers, and Democrats arguing for a plan to let graduates refinance their debt.
Study: It’s time to test impact of student aid program Scott Walker is eyeing for funding boost
Capital Times
A new study from the HOPE Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison argues that policy makers need to test the impact of the state’s premier college financial aid program before deciding how to distribute funds going forward.
Tax shortfall will squeeze state
Wisconsin State Journal
The state treasury will be $94.3 million lighter by the end of the 2015-17 budget cycle because of lower tax revenues, according to an updated snapshot of state finances from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
College officials say GOP college affordability bills are ‘a good start’
Capital Times
UW System president Ray Cross, who testified in support of the entire package, said the bills are “a good start” and will “undoubtedly be of benefit” both to current UW students and graduates living throughout the state.
Bipartisan Assembly group seeks about $2 million for Alzheimer’s, dementia care
Wisconsin State Journal
The other bills include $500,000 to fund four dementia care specialists in counties with fewer than 150,000 people and a statewide specialist responsible for educating employers about dementia; $250,000 to train mobile crisis teams in how to care for those suffering from dementia; and $50,000 to fund research by UW-Madison’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Scientists at UW partner with the state on plan to help declining honey bees
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin have worked with colleagues at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on a plan to help the state’s honey bees.
WBAY – Bold Initiatives Announced to Help Alzheimer’s & Dementia Families
WBAY-TV
A bold, big push begins Wednesday to help the tens of thousands of people in Wisconsin affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Fitzgerald expects reduction in state budget surplus
Wisconsin Radio Network
State revenue projections may be much lower than originally anticipated.The state was expected to end the biennium next year with a more than $150 million surplus, but Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) says that’s likely to change when the Legislative Fiscal Bureau releases new numbers this week.
Gov. Walker shares message of inclusiveness in 2016 State of the State
WKOW TV
Noted: “We are also excited to work with the University of Wisconsin System to explore providing a three-year degree that would start in our high schools and continue on many of our UW campuses. This would help reduce costs and move people into the workforce sooner,” said Gov. Walker.
Along with that plan, the Governor called for expanding the UW Flex Degree option to a number of students that would be equal to a new UW campus.
All of that follows last week’s unveiling of a college affordability package, which he urged legislators to pass with bipartisan support.
Walker promises to help people find jobs in State of the State
Channel3000.com
Noted: Gov. Walker said during the 40-minute address that his administration plans to spend more on grants for on-the-job training for high school students, work with the University of Wisconsin System on a three-year degree that would start in high school and expand the system’s flex option program.
Scott Walker talks college affordability in first State of the State since presidential bid
Capital Times
(Walker) also announced plans to work with the University of Wisconsin System to explore providing a three-year degree program that would start in high schools and continue on some UW campuses. He lauded high school students’ high ACT scores and the impact of his tuition freeze for the University of Wisconsin System, enacted in the 2013-15 budget and extended in the 2015-17 spending plan.
Scott Walker touts state’s recovery as he seeks a political rebound
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: Explore a three-year degree program that would start in state high schools and continue at University of Wisconsin System campuses.
Walker’s State of the State priority: employment
AP
Gov. Scott Walker promised during his State of the State speech Tuesday to help more people find work and attain college degrees faster as he works to bolster approval ratings that sank after his failed presidential bid.
Democrats knock Scott Walker’s college affordability proposal before State of the State
Capital Times
Gov. Scott Walker will deliver his sixth State of the State address tonight beginning at 7 p.m. Live streaming available at http://workingforwisconsin.wi.gov/
Legislators spar over college affordability plans
Racine Journal-Times
Republicans and Democrats agree college needs to be more affordable for students, who in 2014 reportedly graduated with an average debt of $28,810.
Weighing expectations for Walker’s State of the State
Wisconsin Radio Network
As Governor Scott Walker prepares to deliver his sixth State of the State address, one political observer expects it will fall short of breaking any new ground when it comes to policy proposals.
Scott Walker seeks student reps for UW, tech college boards
Wisconsin State Journal
Gov. Scott Walker is seeking new student representatives to join the governing boards of the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College systems.
Tuition task force looks at why UW students graduate with higher than average debt
Madison.com
More University of Wisconsin System students graduate with debt than the national average, and they owe more money that the average U.S. college graduate, according to data to be presented Friday to the UW Tuition-Setting Policy Task Force.
Student Leader Wants Walker To Lift Tuition Freeze On UW System
Wisconsin Public Radio
Gov. Scott Walker unveiled a new college affordability plan this week, but not all college students are in favor of the proposed legislation.
Wisconsin researchers land $5 million grant for study of state epilepsy patients
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin-Madison have won a four-year, $5 million federal grant to study the brain networks of epilepsy patients. Their study, called the Epilepsy Connectome Project, will involve state-of-the-art brain imaging of about 200 adult temporal lobe epilepsy patients from across the state.
Future of fetal tissue bill uncertain in Wisconsin Senate
Capital Times
As anti-abortion advocates put pressure on Wisconsin lawmakers to pass a bill banning research on aborted fetal tissue, a top Senate Republican says it’s uncertain whether it will be brought to the Senate floor by the end of the legislative session.
‘Ban the box’ requirement at issue for lawmakers on civil service bill
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: The bill applies to the state’s civil service, which includes nearly all state workers except in the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin National Guard. It would replace the state’s use of hiring exams with a resume-based job application system, among other changes.
Scott Walker: Package of bills will make college more affordable
Wisconsin State Journal
Borrowers paying back their student loans would get a bigger break on their taxes and more students at Wisconsin’s technical colleges could receive need-based aid under bills Gov. Scott Walker unveiled Monday that are aimed at making higher education in the state more affordable.
College affordability steps praised
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
Eau Claire college leaders praised Gov. Scott Walker’s series of legislative proposals announced Monday designed to make school more affordable, saying they are a step in the right direction.
Legislators pitch competing student debt bills
Appleton Post-Crescent
Two Fox Valley area legislators have authored competing college debt bills — one with the help of Gov. Scott Walker.
Walker talks tuition freeze, college affordability at UW-L
LaCrosse Tribune
Despite a power outage on campus Monday, Gov. Scott Walker outlined proposals he said would make college more affordable during a visit to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Walker Rolls Out College Affordability Legislation
Wisconsin Public Radio
Gov. Scott Walker is endorsing a package of measures that he says will make college more affordable.
Civil service changes, fetal tissue, guns top Capitol agenda
Madison.com
Republican lawmakers have scratched most big-ticket items off their to-do list, but they’ve still got plenty to do as they work to bolster their campaign positions before the legislative session ends.
Gov. Walker & GOP lawmakers plan to announce student debt proposals
WLUK-TV, Milwaukee
MAPLE BLUFF — With student loan debt in America standing at a record $1.2 trillion, Gov. Scott Walker and some Republican lawmakers say they’ll be rolling out some proposed legislation on Monday.
Chris Rickert: For lawmakers backing tougher drunken-driving penalties, Jesus awaits
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: Comment from Joe Glass, UW-Madison assistant social work professor who specializes in addiction, and Julia Sherman, coordinator of the UW-based Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project.
Glass pointed to sobriety checkpoints, alcohol ignition locks, license revocation and suspension laws as among the examples. But it’s also quite possible that someone working on a fourth drunken-driving offense has an addiction. “Repeated use in hazardous situations, including drinking and driving, is a characteristic of alcohol use disorder, as defined by the medical community,” Glass said.
Sherman said she’s not aware of evidence that the threat of tougher penalties alone deters drunken driving. Evidence does show that treatment changes alcohol-related behavior, she said, but “just locking people up isn’t treatment.”
Gov. Walker wants some state records made public, but not others
WKOW TV
Noted: But the Governor is still fighting the release of other records that shed light on the process his administration went through when it altered the Wisconsin Idea – a part of the UW System’s mission statement – as it put together the 2015-16 state budget early last year.
In the initial release of his budget plan, Gov. Walker changed the UW System’s mission to “meet the state’s workforce needs.” He also proposed striking language about public service and improving the human condition, and deleting the phrase: “Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth.”
Gov. Walker scrapped the changes after a strong public reaction against them, blaming it on a “drafting error.”
UW-Madison To End Its Sheep Research Program
Wisconsin Public Radio
In response to departmental budget cuts, the University of Wisconsin-Madison plans to end its research on dairy sheep — a program it says is unique to Wisconsin, but is no longer affordable.