Wisconsin Democrats propose bills to boost funding, access for higher education

By Sue Bodilly

Democratic legislators are introducing a package of bills that would secure additional funding for the University of Wisconsin System and the state’s technical colleges, as well as make college more affordable through tuition freezes and need-based financial aid grants.In a press conference Wednesday morning, those who voiced support for the slate of seven bills included Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, Rep. Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay, Rep. Jodi Emerson, D-Eau Claire, and Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick. Several educators also spoke on behalf of the UW System, urging legislators to back the bills.  Rep. Katrina Shankland is part of a group of legislators seeking to expand higher education in Wisconsin. All of them emphasized the need to invest in the state’s postsecondary institutions.