1999-2001 Biennial Budget
Senate Democrats Announce "Education Investment Package"
On June 23, the Senate Democrats held a press conference at which they announced an "Education Investment Package." The proposal would add $87.5 million in education initiatives to the state budget beyond what was passed by the Joint Finance Committee. Included in the plan is the following of interest to UW-Madison:
- Adding $4.0 million of GPR (state tax dollars) and $2.1 million of tuition revenue to the Madison Initiative. UW-Madison would receive $29.2 million ($19 million GPR + $10.2 million in tuition revenue) under the Senate Democratic proposal and $30 million ($15 million GPR + $15 million in tuition revenue) under the Assembly Republican proposal passed last week.
- Additional GPR to cover part of the cost of providing UW System faculty and academic staff with a pay plan that is close to the Regent request of 5.2 percent in each year (it is unclear exactly how much funding is intended for this or what the final pay plan in each year would be).
- Additional funding for financial aid programs so that financial aid grants increase approximately 6 percent each year over the next two years.
- Beginning in the 2001-2003 biennium, tie financial aid increases for UW students to tuition increases.
- Restore the Governor's provision giving the Board of Regents authority to increase the number of positions funded in whole or part by GPR by 1 percent above the base level.
- Funding for Plan 2008 Diversity Initiatives and pre-college programs (an exact amount is not yet known).
- Authority for the UW System to offer new faculty and academic staff 1st day health insurance.
- $1 million for UW-Madison's Institute of Environmental Studies to establish the Gaylord Nelson Chair in Integrated Environmental Policy Studies.
It appears the Senate Democratic caucus may vote on their version of the budget on Tuesday of next week (June 29), the same day the full Assembly expects to vote on the budget passed by the Assembly Republican Caucus on June 23.