For all the talk about fixing relations with the state legislature on the UW side of things lately, you’d think that everything was our fault and to fix things all we need to do is apologize for whatever we did. Then they would begin to fork over the millions of dollars in funding that the UW needs. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. However, one Assembly Democrat thinks that the majority of the blame for the strain in relations lies on their side and that things might be about to change with the coming Assembly elections this fall.
If Democrats take control of the Assembly this fall, they could change the tone of the relationship between the UW System and state Assembly. Democrts need three seats to take the majority.
But Vinehout said the issues will remain the same no matter who controls the Assembly.
“Both Republicans and Democrats need to address these problems,” she said.
But Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Verona, the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Education Committee, said she expects relations between the Assembly and the UW to thaw — not because of the arrival of Martin, but because she expects a change in Assembly leadership.
“I don’t think it’s the chancellor’s problem,” she said. “I think it’s who was steering the ship” in the Assembly.
I definitely agree with the part about the blame being significantly on the side of the state legislature. While Chancellor Wiley might have not been the best at dealing with the state legislature, but they aren’t cutting funding simply because they didn’t like our choice of chancellor. I think there is much that could be done as far as lobbying efforts on behalf of both UW-Madison and the UW System as a whole, but that the strain in relations was as much a result of who was in control down at the far end of State Street as who was in control on our end. No matter how good a chancellor is at handling relations, I don’t think people like Steve Nass are ever going to be convinced to change their views on funding higher education. If you are unfamiliar with Rep. Nass’ views on the UW, I really recommend this Isthmus article.
As for the Democrats taking control of the Assembly, I don’t have any predictions to make at this point, but there are 99 districts and the Democrats only need to pick up 3 seats, so it is a definite possibility. The filing deadline isn’t even until July 8th, so at this point we don’t even know who all of the candidates are.
4 responses so far ↓
Mr. Verb // May 29, 2008 at 5:58 pm |
This is a good point: it’s not just that the UW isn’t doing what it needs to; it’s also that part of the state legislature (led by those like Nass) has been openly hostile to the UW. But reconciliation is going to take a lot of effort. I think what soon-to-be-Chancellor Martin is saying about this is exactly right in tone and substance. A breath of fresh air.
Of course, we also need to work to change the set of people representing us at “the other end of State St.” Take back the Assembly!
Jon // May 29, 2008 at 10:11 pm |
I think that first article states the problem best. Yes, many Republicans dont support increased funding for the UW system, but the fact remains that even if the Dems take the majority, the problems wont go away. Suddenly, they’ll be the ones forced to make the budget cuts. its easy to say what you would do when you’re a minority. Its another to actually be able to carry through on it. Changing who’s in control of the legislature is not a magic solution.
Edgar // June 3, 2008 at 11:17 pm |
Yes, but the biggest problem isn’t the budget trimming — it’s the constant attacks on the UW and what that has done to morale.
Nass and his ilk aren’t really trying to save the taxpayers money. They have just figured out that every time they attack the UW, they get their name in the paper. It’s just a political stunt for them, not caring that this hurts the state and the UW at the same time.
Changing the leadership of the Assembly won’t fix all of the financial problems we have in the State, agreed. But it sure will change the tone. And getting Nass out of the chairmanship of this crucial committee will be very, very helpful to everyone.
With attitudes like this, what is Biddy to do? « Fearless Sifting // June 4, 2008 at 2:43 pm |
[...] 4, 2008 · No Comments About a week ago this blog started a discussion on who bore the responsibility for the strained relations between the UW and the state legislature. [...]