Capitol Update

UW Platteville: A Good Investment

Growing up on my family’s farm in Spring Green, we learned the value of hard work and the importance of an education. Higher and vocational education is a critical component to the success of Wisconsin’s economy and our communities in southwest Wisconsin. Unfortunately for many potential students and families, the costs of an education beyond high school are rising quickly and the job market for recent graduates can be inconsistent.

Recently we have seen some good statistics about the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in my senate district. A recent survey of the average starting salaries of graduates from institutions in Wisconsin showed UW-Platteville ranked second highest in our state behind only the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), where tuition is nearly five times the amount of UW-Platteville!

The average starting salary for a UW-Platteville graduate is $48,800.  Among public institutions, UW-Madison follows at $46,400 with UW-Eau Claire starting at $44,700.  UW-Platteville graduates still fair better than those from other private universities in Wisconsin; Viterbo ($47,400), Marquette ($46,300) and Marian ($45,800).  This is pretty good news considering that those private schools cost at least two-times as much as UW-Platteville.

High starting salaries are an indicator that a university is focused on training students for high pay and in demand job fields. UW-Platteville graduates are not only earning high salaries after graduating, but are also paying less in tuition, reducing the pressure on student and family budgets.

The combination at UW-Platteville of keeping student cost low while maximizing a student’s earning potential is important because it results in graduates having a lower investment relative to earning potential, or a high return on investment (ROI). Another annual survey of colleges across the country ranked UW-Platteville first for ROI in Wisconsin. In this case, ROI takes into account a graduate’s earnings potential and the low cost of earning a degree.

The ROI at UW-Platteville is nearly two percent more than the next institution, UW-La Crosse (9.3%). When compared to MSOE (7.2% ROI), UW-Platteville is four points higher in ROI than the only other private institution to make the list. The other UW schools hover around 7-8% ROI, which demonstrates UW-Platteville’s affordability and effectiveness among its peers.

For more information and to connect with me, visit my website http://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/17/marklein and do not hesitate to call 800-978-8008 if you have input, ideas or need assistance with any state-related matters.

2015-16 Blue Books
The 2015-16 Blue Books have arrived at the Capitol! If you would like one, please let me know, I would be happy to make sure you receive a blue book.

2016 Senate Scholar Program
The Senate Scholar Program is an intensive week-long educational program offered by the Wisconsin State Senate. Admission to the program is highly competitive and is limited to 33 academically exceptional high school juniors and seniors from around Wisconsin. Each Senate Scholar receives a hands-on, up-close view of the Legislature’s role in our democracy.

Senate Scholars gain experience in such diverse areas as policy development, constituent relations, and processing legislation by working with Senators, legislative staff and University of Wisconsin faculty.

The 2016 Senate Scholar Program is about to get under way for three separate weeks on the following dates: February 7-12, February 14-19, and March 6-11, 2016. Applications will need to be received no later than January 3, 2016. Applicants will then be notified of their acceptance on or shortly after January 15, 2016.

This years’ new Senate Legislative Education and Outreach Officer, comes to us from Dodgeville High School where she has been a Social Studies teacher for the past 15 years. I welcome Tammy Wehrle and thank her for her willingness to take part in this great program and opportunity for students.

If you are interested in this, please send an email to my office: sen.marklein@legis.wi.gov, with your Name, Phone Number, Address, and Email Address, so we can get an application sent out to you.

Preventing Violent Crime in Wisconsin
Last week, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) approved the addition of two full-time attorneys for Milwaukee County. These additional attorneys are to serve as special prosecutors to assist the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office to handle investigations and prosecutions of fire-arm related criminal offenses in the City of Milwaukee. This would include any cases related to gun violence and the illegal possession of a firearm.

These additional positions are part of the “Milwaukee Gun Violence Reduction Initiative”, an agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Milwaukee County DA office, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Mayor’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. According to the initiative, it is intended to address, “an increase in firearm-related crimes, injuries, and deaths in the city of Milwaukee.” This will be in effect until July 1, 2017.

Violent crime is an issue that impacts us statewide. However, it is critical to note the pattern that exists in increased violent crime in urban areas in Wisconsin. Similar to the rest of the country, violent crime rates in Wisconsin are generally higher in urban, highly populated cities. In the table below, a “violent crime” is defined as either murder (homicide), forcible rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. The second table shows the rate of violent crime involving a firearm for the City of Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin.

Violent Crime Rates Per 100,000 Residents for Cities with a Population over 100,000 and Wisconsin*

*Identified offenses for Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay were reported by the Milwaukee Police Department, the Madison Police Department, and the Green Bay Police Department.

Source: Legislative Fiscal Bureau & UCR program
 

Rate of Homicides, Aggravated Assaults, Robberies, and Forcible Rapes Involving a Firearm Per 100,000 Residents in the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin

*“Firearm Crime” only includes homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, and forcible rapes in which a firearm was utilized

Source: Legislative Fiscal Bureau & UCR program
 

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State Capitol - Room 8 South - Post Office Box 7882 - Madison, Wisconsin 53707 - Phone: (608) 266-0703