This past Thursday, state Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, hosted the first open panel of the year for UW-Madison students to voice concerns about recent budget cuts to the UW System and what they hope to see this upcoming budget season.
Taylor opened the meeting by introducing herself and summarizing some of her thoughts about increased funding for the UW System, as well as the negative effects of low funding—such as young people moving out of state.
“The first goal was really to hear what’s happening, how have you all been impacted. My second goal was really just seeing what other things students are really concerned with. What’s happening here?” Taylor said. “How are their daily lives being impacted by some of the decisions that are being made?”
Students who attended brought up subjects most important to them while Taylor took notes. Topics covered included the tuition freeze, a general lack of funding, policies for McBurney students and the new diversity training that has been implemented this year.
“I’m hopeful for ASM and the work ASM is doing working with the administration, and I’m hopeful that the administration can really be an ally to students and really put our education first on top of other priorities in the coming years and dealing with this budget cut,” said Chet Agni, a member of the College Democrats Executive Board.
If reelected, Taylor plans on coming back for another open panel in January. All students are welcome to attend, she said.
“I really want to pull students into the policy arena. That’s where I really want to see the student voice because so many of the decisions that we’re making in the State Capital impact young people and impact the future,” Taylor said. “The young people most impacted are really absent.”
