In the weeks ahead, Wisconsin state legislators will begin voting on the next biennial budget. Those decisions will have an enormous impact on UWM and the UW System (UWS). Funding for our academic programs, research, improvements to our campus buildings and pay plan increases is at stake. One way you can help influence the outcome of the budget process is to make sure your elected officials hear your voice.
Today, I ask you to onsider contacting your state legislators and encourage them to support UWM by voting for the UWS budget initiatives proposed by the UW Board of Regents. Along with Vice Chancellors Robin Van Harpen and Tom Luljak, I have held advocacy meetings with every member of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee and other legislators to discuss our priorities. Your voices will reinforce our message.
UW System and UWM Budget Priorities
Here are some of the priorities that will have a direct impact on our campuses:
- Employee compensation
- Additional state support for research/access mission
- Support for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin
- Expanded support for students’ mental and behavioral health
- Wisconsin Tuition Promise
- Modernization of administrative and financial processes
- Renovating Northwest Quad (Health Sciences building)
The most effective means of contacting your legislators is a personal letter in which you explain in your own words the importance of investing in UWM. It is easy to learn the names and contact information of your state legislators by going to the Wisconsin State Legislature site and entering your street address. A list of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee members is here.
Please do not use your UWM email or any university resources, such as stationery, when contacting legislators. Rather, please use your personal email and make it clear you are writing as a citizen of Wisconsin who is committed to higher education. The UW System guidelines for political activity are a helpful resource as you advocate for UWM.
We have a state budget information website that includes many links to facts and other background information that will be helpful to make the case for investing in UWM.
In addition to writing a letter or speaking to your legislator, you can submit comments online for the April 28th JFC virtual public hearing. Speaking slots filled 15 minutes after registration opened on Monday.
This is a critical time for UWM and public higher education. The challenges presented by COVID and changing demographics put our mission at risk. Now more than ever we need our state legislators to invest in the UW System and in us. Thank you for helping to deliver that message.
Chancellor