Doyle says state's future depends on
investment in UW System

In an appearance at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay today (Tuesday, July 17), Gov. Jim Doyle called on the state Legislature to pass a budget that makes a major investment in the UW System. Doyle told about 250 people at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts that UW campuses are engines of economic growth. "Here at UWGB we're investing not only in students but in the economic future of this area," he said. The governor criticized the 2007-09 budget proposal the state Assembly passed July 10, calling the proposal an "assault on higher education." A Senate-Assembly conference committee has been appointed to work out the differences between the Assembly proposal and a version of the budget the state Senate passed in June.

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard welcomed Gov. Doyle to the campus. The governor has been a frequent visitor to UW-Green Bay during the past year.

UW-Green Bay student Allen Voelker, a biology major from Manitowoc, introduced Gov. Doyle. Voelker said the budget must include adequate funding for student financial aid.

Cameras from numerous local television stations recorded the governor's news conference for their evening news programs.

Gov. Doyle said he strongly supports Northeastern Wisconsin's Growth Agenda, a plan that provides the resources to increase enrollment at UW-Green Bay by about 2,200 students.

An overflow crowd attended the governor's news conference in the Weidner Center's Grand Foyer.

Chancellor Shepard said he is optimistic that legislators will reach agreement on a budget that invests in education and helps build a strong future for Wisconsin.

UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells said a proposal adopted by the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee should be the starting point for budget negotiations.