The UW System Board of Regents approve two budget requests for the 2013-2015 biennium. System President Kevin Reilly says the drafting process lacked the challenges of previous budgets during the recession.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves certainly but it does now appear that economic indicators are starting to show signs of economic recovery,” says Reilly.
The UW System is requesting an additional $21 million as part of its operating budget. Much of the money is for economic development initiatives, a flexible degree program including online education, and for pay raises to hire and retain quality professors. Michael Morgan, senior vp for administration and fiscal affairs, says as the “fiscal outlook looks much better,” the $21 million request is a “modest proposal.”
Reilly says, as usual, the budget proposal is based on predictions; how much state money will be available won’t be known for certain until early 2013. However, in communicating with the Walker administration, Reilly says the governor is not requesting cuts or budget lapses for the UW System, as seen in the 2011-2013 budget.
The UW System’s operating budget and capital budget must be submitted the state Department of Administration by September 17. The DOA will consider the budget for inclusion into the governor’s budget proposal, a plan which will be taken up by lawmakers.