GarveyBlog by Ed Garvey

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November 23, 2003
UW out of reach?
Jay Rath has written a superb cover story in Isthmus on the "High price of knowledge." It is a sad tale of a state that has lost its commitment to providing higher education at low cost. Today only 21 percent of the UW-Madison budget comes from the state; only 27 percent of the entire UW System budget comes from the state.

The Legislature cut $250 million from the UW budget this year and took $100 million from students by raising tuition. That is a disgrace. Rath quotes Regent Nino Amato: "We've increased tuition well over 100% in the last 10 years. That's making education all but unattainable" for many.

While Chancellor Wiley is critical of the cutbacks, one suspects he and UW President Lyall are angling for privatization of the Madison campus. Can't happen? Look at UW Hospital. Naturally, both Lyall and Wiley were unavailable for an interview with Isthmus.

It is time to have an open discussion about the future of the UW. Do we belive in higher education for all who want it or just for those who can afford it?




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