UW's budget cut a break by Gov. Walker

MADISON (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker is not requiring the University of Wisconsin System to make a $66 million cut to its budget permanent.

The university is one of a handful of agencies Walker is exempting from making the cuts permanent going into the next two-year budget cycle.

Walker's order to state agencies went out Tuesday and was obtained Friday by The Associated Press. He is ordering most agencies to submit budgets by Sept. 17 that include no spending growth.

The university was cut $250 million in the current two-year budget and then later ordered to find another $66 million in reductions.

University spokesman David Giroux said Friday there is some comfort in seeing that the state's financial condition appears to be improving. The UW regents are to discuss the budget next week.