Transcript

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley.

This week I met with undergraduate students from across Wisconsin to learn about new and exciting research projects. It was a great glimpse of the Wisconsin Idea in action. 

Their work and dedication show how practical research leads to applicable opportunities for Wisconsin businesses and our society as a whole. That’s what makes our university system one of a kind. 

For years Wisconsin’s University system was the envy of the nation until Republicans underfunded our campuses . We’ve fallen so far behind that Wisconsin needs a big investment to restore our status as a national leader for higher education.  

Governor Evers introduced his biennial budget in February with a whopping $856 million dollar UW system investment. 

To put that into perspective, for the last few budgets the small increases haven’t been enough. We’ve seen $30 million here or there, but with tuition frozen for so long, our universities have fallen behind. 

We are long overdue for a serious investment in such an important part of our state’s legacy. 

You can count on me to continue to fight for UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and all of Wisconsin’s higher education institutions. These students deserve our support and the impacts will be felt across Wisconsin.  

Stay tuned for more updates. This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off.