State budget preferred over Democratic taxes
Gov. Scott McCallum has made higher education a priority in the state of Wisconsin. The governor announced that he will not be cutting any financial aid programs for Wisconsin students while also increasing the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant by $2 million in the next school year. The million-dollar increase is on top of a pot of money that already exceeds $20 million each year. Last year, the governor signed the budget bill that increased funds for the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant, minority grants, nursing student loans and many more programs that help students in Wisconsin succeed.
The governor has said throughout his term that the UW System is an important factor in economic development. McCallum is the only candidate for governor who recognizes the need for developing and keeping businesses in our state. The Democratic hopefuls for governor understand one thing'increasing taxes.
I wonder how a Democratic governor would have solved a billion-dollar deficit. No doubt he or she would look to tax the businesses that many students seek as employers. Wisconsin already lags behind Chicago and Minnesota for job placement out of college. If a Democratic governor scares away Wisconsin businesses, the brain drain will grow and grow.
McCallum is the right choice for students. He recognizes the need to build Wisconsin and invest in economic development. The governor includes the welfare of students as economic development and for that we should be thankful.
McCallum's new budget benefits UW students
Gov. Scott McCallum has done a lot for students at UW-Madison and throughout the UW System. The governor announced this week he will be increasing financial aid for low-income students and will not be cutting any other aid programs he increased in the budget last year.
The governor signed an increase of almost $12 million for the UW-Madison Initiative in August. This money will be used to develop the education delivered at our great university. McCallum also included $12 million for UW-Milwaukee. He has said numerous times that economic development in the state is closely tied to the university system.
McCallum recognizes that, with increased costs of education, increased assistance is important. Two million dollars will be allotted to students in the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant program next year. This is in addition to last year's 4.5 percent increase. There are also grant programs for minorities, the disabled and needy students.
McCallum has shown his commitment to students. I am confident he will serve the students and citizens of Wisconsin well for years to come.
