Governor Walker calls proposed $300M cut to UW System "manageable," "realistic"

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says his proposed $300 million cut to the University of Wisconsin System is "manageable" and "realistic" if UW is given some flexibilities to save money.

Walker also told reporters Thursday, May 7th that he hopes the Legislature takes another look at his proposal to make UW independent from state oversight and laws. Republican leaders this week declared that dead, but said they are still looking at whether the cut can be reduced.

Walker says he doesn't want to pause a manufacturing tax cut as Democrats have called for to free up money for the university.

He says the UW cut is "manageable if given the right flexibilities."

The cut is equal to 13 percent of state funding for UW and about 2.5 percent of its total budget.