To the Editor-

The Governor proposed a budget that includes a cut in state aid to the UW System.  The headlines ever since have been pretty far-fetched–“Massive Lay-Offs Expected”, etc.

The cut amounts to about 2.5% of the overall UW System budget –$150 Million a year from a $6.1 Billion a year budget.  The University system increased in net worth for each of the last 4 years—including 2 years of tuition freeze—by about $161 Million.  That’s a little more than the proposed cut.

I hardly call that a “sky is falling”, “massive lay off”, “huge tuition hike needed” cut.

In a tight budget time, families, businesses and—yes—even state universities need to budget effectively and look for better value for money spent.

The Governor has also proposed as part of this cut to provide the UW System with greater autonomy.   That, combined with good leadership, can certainly deal with a 2.5% cut.

*Figures used are approximate and come from a report by Rep. Bob Kulp, 69^th Assembly District.

Betty L. Barnes, Plover