As many of you already know, Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed 2013-15 biennial state budget calls for more than $181 million in new taxpayer investments in the UW System.
We will continue to work with our higher education, economic development and business partners in western Wisconsin and beyond to provide graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s highly interconnected and constantly changing world. We are exploring ways to expand and enhance our current talent and economic development efforts through closer collaboration with our community, the region and state.
Today, we will host on campus a gathering of a core group of higher education, business and economic development leaders to brainstorm new ways we can coordinate resources and expertise to identify existing and emerging skills gaps and take action to address them. I look forward to sharing with you highlights from what I expect will be a very productive meeting!
I also am very appreciative that the Governor's budget provides language to grant the UW System Board of Regents flexibility, including the authority to establish compensation plans for UW employees, which remains one of our highest priorities. Our faculty and staff's commitment to their students is inspiring.
In the days and weeks ahead, we will join UW System in working with state legislators from both parties to advance Gov. Walker’s budget.
I will share additional information about the budget with the campus community as it becomes available.
