MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature’s Republican-controlled budget committee voted Tuesday to continue a University of Wisconsin tuition freeze for another two years and give the system about $58 million in additional state money, less than half as much as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers wanted and funding that comes with a catch. Evers had called for nearly a $127 million increase in state funding for the university, money that Democrats said was needed to help deal with budget cuts under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker and address high-need areas like nursing and high-tech jobs. But they didn’t have the votes to overcome Republican support for a smaller increase, $45 million of which will only be turned over if the Legislature approves UW’s plan for spending it. UW President Ray Cross said after the vote he felt like he had been “kicked in the shins.” Cross said it would take $60 million just to keep pace with inflation and called the committee’s decision “kind of shocking” and “very short sighted.” “I’m really frustrated and disappointed,” Cross said. But Republican committee co-chair Rep. John Nygren, of Marinette, defended the smaller increase, saying “There will always be a desire from some to spend more.” The panel is working to complete revisions to the Evers budget before sending it to the full Legislature for consideration, likely in June. Democrats don’t have the votes to stop what Republicans approve, but Evers does have the power to make changes with his broad veto power. The tuition freeze began under Walker and is now in its sixth year. Evers proposed extending it for two more, but asked for $50.4 million to pay for it. Republicans rejected that request to pay for it.
