There are many known consequences of both the budget repair bill and proposed state budget. Among them, the loss of nearly all collective bargaining rights for union employees and the gutting of MPS. Meanwhile, income requirements and enrollment caps would be lifted from the school voucher program, making it possible for higher-income families to get the same voucher credits. This puts an additional burden on the public school system (with even less funding) and will surely result in an even sharper divide between the “haves” and “have-nots” in the educational system.
The new state budget continues wielding a sledgehammer, with many programs that serve lower-income residents and the elderly being reduced or even eliminated. It’s not hard to envision where things are headed. Across the board, middle and lower-income residents, the very young, the elderly, and the sick, will feel the pain the most.
What is far less simple to envision is what a fracture in the UW System might mean for higher education. Governor Walker wants to separate UW Madison from the UW system, something Madison chancellor Biddy Martin has been advocating for. See more here: http://budget.wisc.edu/new-badger-partnership-faq/
Supporters argue that a split from system would allow Madison the authority it needs to manage its resources more effectively, including facilities, human resources, and tuition rates (among other things).
The possible split raises serious concerns. Madison could impose extreme tuition hikes, making the state’s flagship school out of reach for many state residents. Some may argue this would just boost enrollment at other campuses, but that hardly seems positive under the circumstances. With all of UW facing budget cuts, every campus will be looking at hard choices over the next two years and probably beyond. Shifting enrollment patterns could make it more difficult to meet student need.
Apart from tuition, there are concerns because the UW system shares many resources, from libraries to learning technologies and an HR system. There is also a concern that a split would harm existing and future partnerships between UW Madison, UW Extension, and other system schools and create harmful competition for funding.
Very little is clear at this time, but the situation bears watching. Available statements send a consistent message that UW Madison would continue its commitment to working with other UW schools and continue its commitment to serving the state as a public university. One has to wonder, though, how the look of commitment might change given the severity of the new budget. Under Walker, the state is already divided. It is definitely worrisome to think the UW system could be, too.
