State Reps. Joe Parisi, D-Madison, and Spencer Black, D-Madison, introduced a bill this week to counteract tuition increases for all in-state students receiving financial aid.
The estimated additional $27 million aid package is proposed to come out of the state budget, according to Black. After last year's budget delay, Black believes the bill will give students financial security and alleviate fears about receiving aid until the state passes a budget.
Last week, however, the State Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimated Wisconsin's state budget will fall short of state expenses by as much as $400 million due to lower than expected tax revenues. Wednesday, Senate Democrats set into motion a stimulus package to jump-start the economy with a provision for a $1.3 million annual increase in financial aid for the UW system students.
In theory, the Parisi-Black bill is an excellent idea. However, state representatives are neglecting to consider Wisconsin's current economic and political situation. What money they currently have available needs to be allocated elsewhere at this time.
While a $27 million increase in financial aid appears to be a sound investment in Wisconsin's future economy by creating a strong educational system, it takes away from other programs necessary to strengthen Wisconsin's economy.
The Senate stimulus package sets aside $8 million for renewable energy grants and $5 million to expand technical programs in UW system schools.
Hypothetically, these measures would be negated by the proposed legislation.
Moreover, this bill is wasting time that is better suited working to curtail the budget, as it will never pass in the Republican-controlled Assembly. It is not in the interest of Wisconsin students for lawmakers, no matter how good their intentions, to spend time on unpassable bills.
A financial aid package similar to the stimulus package proposed by the Senate Democrats is a more viable option during a recession. Until economically brighter days arrive, the Parisi-Black bill is best suited waiting on the shelf until a more economically appropriate time.
