August 23, 2004
BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVE BUDGET 05-07 REQUEST
Last week, the UW System Board of Regents approved the 2005-07 UW-System budget request. The Regent’s budget request is being divided into two parts with the operational (state funds and tuition) and capital budgets being approved last Thursday. Next month, the Regents will consider remaining budget issues including program and federal funds.
The operational budget request proposed a 7.2 percent increase in general purpose revenue and 4.3 percent tuition increase each year of the biennium. The request includes funds to enhance financial aid, retain and recruit faculty and staff and improve libraries and information technology.
A more complete description of the proposal is available at: http://www.uwsa.edu/bor/agenda/2004/august.pdf.
The Regent’s request will be submitted to the Department of Administration. Governor Doyle will review all agency requests before submitting his budget proposal to the legislature early next year. The Legislature is not expected to complete their work on the budget before the end of June 2005. It is important to note that current revenue projections indicate a possible $700 million budget deficit. A clearer picture of what the actual revenue shortfall is, will be available later this fall.
SENATE STATE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PANEL HEARINGS SET
Sen. Ron Brown (R- Eau Claire), chair of the Senate Select Committee on State and Local Government Relations, has set the panel's initial hearings. The hearings will focus on the statutory relationship between the state and local units of government and suggested methods for controlling costs. They are set for Tuesday, August 31 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, September 22 at 2 p.m. in room 411 south of the State Capitol. Tuesday’s hearing will feature invited speakers from state and local government, labor organizations, and business and trade associations. UW System has been invited to testify at this hearing. Wednesday’s hearing is set aside for public testimony.
For more information on state related issues contact,
Kristi Thorson or Don Nelson
Assistant Directors, State Relations
608/262-8967