Walker budget: 5 per cent University of Wisconsin tuition cut
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday his new executive budget would cut University of Wisconsin System tuition by 5 per cent, allow students to opt out of some fees and restore millions of dollars cut from the system two years ago.
The moves mark an about-face for Walker, who along with fellow Republicans who control the Legislature has been using the UW System as political punching bag for years. The 2015-17 budget cut $250 million from the system and extended a tuition freeze for another two years.
But Walker is expected to run for a third term next year and bolstering UW funding and cutting tuition figure to play well with students and their families on the campaign trail.
“Our investment today ensures student success by making college even more affordable, providing greater opportunities for students to earn their degree, and helping to bridge the gap between higher education and our workforce,” Walker said in a news release.