Gov. Walker proposes greater autonomy for University of Wisconsin System

MADISON (AP) — One of the University of Wisconsin System's toughest critics in the Legislature is blasting Gov. Scott Walker's proposal give the system more autonomy.

A spokesman for Sen. Stephen Nass, a Whitewater Republican who serves as vice chairman of the Senate's universities committee, said Tuesday that Nass fears the plan would allow the system to raise tuition dramatically.

Walker's plan calls for cutting the system by $300 million in the next biennium and giving system leaders more independence, a move that would leave legislators with no way to stop the system from raising tuition as much as it wants starting in 2017.

System leaders issued statements Tuesday saying the proposal would give them more flexibility and opportunities. A system spokeswoman didn't immediately return a message seeking comment on Nass' stance.

Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) issued the following statement on this issue:


Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) issued this statement:


UW-Whitewater Chancellor Richard Telfer issued this statement to the campus community:


UW-Milwaukee's Student Association has issued this statement:


Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) issued this statement: