University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone told faculty, staff and students at a campus forum Thursday that he remains bullish and confident about the future, though realities of the new state budget will make the next two years “immensely challenging.”
UWM had expected a $24 million cut to its budget each of the next two years. Instead, the campus will take a $12.2 million cut to its true operating base budget in the new fiscal year, thanks to relief money from the state and UW System. The cut will likely increase to $18 million the second year of the biennial budget, the chancellor said.
UWM got the largest share of $20 million in one-time cash that UW System President Ray Cross divided among campuses he determined were least able to absorb cuts. UWM also got the largest share of $25 million in ongoing funding restored by lawmakers from the governor’s original proposed $150 million cut each of the two years. Lawmakers instructed that campuses most in need receive the money.
