Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial nominee Scott Walker spoke at Memorial Union Sunday to talk to students about his economic plans for the state.
Walker's speech was accompanied by a group of protestors gathered outside Memorial Union.
Walker emphasized the need to return to an economic plan similar to President Ronald Reagan's three decades ago, which included sweeping tax cuts.
""You look at what President Reagan did in the 1980s,"" Walker said. ""What we saw from 1983 to the end of the decade was the largest peace-time boom in American history. Twenty-one million new jobs were created, and five million new businesses.""
In addition to tax cuts, Walker said he would make state employees contribute to the state pension system. He said it is one change that would save the state $360 million.
""I'm so serious about it I won't wait until the budget,"" he said.
Walker also addressed his plans specifically for the UW System and said he intends to provide it with the tools to function as a business.
""If you had an innovative campus that could buy into some of the power of the Big Ten purchasing, that would allow them to take the dollars they do have and spend them more effectively,"" Walker said.
He said if campuses could use those kinds of opportunities and keep costs under control, that money would ultimately keep tuition down.
As for President Barack Obama's visit Tuesday, Walker said it shows the White House is clearly concerned about Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's chances for the election.
""I'm old-fashioned, but I think the people of Wisconsin should pick the next governor and not the president,"" Walker said.
