Unanimous: UW regents approve $95 million budget request

MADISON (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System's Board of Regents has approved asking Gov. Scott Walker for $95 million in additional tax dollars in the next state budget.

The regents voted unanimously to forward the request to Walker during a meeting at UW-Oshkosh on Thursday afternoon.

System President Ray Cross wants the money to cover a new multi-pronged plan to create jobs, boost graduation rates and offset the effects of a tuition freeze Republican lawmakers imposed after learning schools were accumulating massive surpluses while raising tuition annually. Walker wants to extend the freeze in the upcoming state budget.

The governor has warned state agencies not to expect any new tax dollars in the spending plan but Cross believes he can convince the governor and legislators the new money will boost the economy.