In preparation for possible legislative action on the Taxpayer Protection Amendment, the UW Board of Regents released a resolution lambasting the proposal and the possible negative effects it could have on UW System schools.
The TPA limits state spending depending on inflation and would aim to curb state taxes. Additionally, Republican lawmakers unveiled a new version of TPA Wednesday, pushing for a focus on families.
In the Board of Regent's resolution in opposition to TPA legislation, the Board cited that there was no reason to believe that the UW System would not have to be the target of future cuts, which would force the university to admit fewer students and/or significantly increase tuition and fees.\
Doug Bradley, spokesperson for the Board of Regents, said although the UW System has always experienced a downward trend in declining financial support, the pattern has really been exacerbated in the last two years.
""This is one of the premier public higher education institutions in the country. Its primary attributes have been access and affordability and that is the Wisconsin tradition. I think it's one we want to maintain,"" Bradley said. ""I think the taxpayers in the state would agree that it's a worthwhile investment and our ticket to prosperity for the 21st century.""
However, Lance Burri, legislative aid to state Rep. Frank Lasee, R-Bellevue, and one of TPA's main advocates, the Board is prematurely sounding the alarm bells.
""The thing to remember is that people who depend on government money don't want limits on government money—the university is no exception,"" Burri said. ""The Regents don't want to face any possibility on an actual limit on what the government can spend. So they're using scare tactics. If it does turn out to be the case, we'll hold a referenda [to] explain to the people what we need and they'll vote.""
State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said TPA legislation undercuts the responsibility the state has to the university.
""I think the state not only has a responsibility to the University of Wisconsin financing, it's in the best interest ... because the university is an economic engine ... in addition to being an academic gem,"" he said. ""It promotes a lot of economy for the state.""
Bradley said the Board is open to collaborating with the Legislature for open dialogue and discussion.
""We should have that kind of conversation up front and do it a real non-partisan, public policy way—not through legislation,"" he said.
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