Regents recommend $855 million in new UW funding

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- UW-Madison is celebrating 175 years with a statewide tour, stopping in Waukesha County on Thursday, Aug. 22.

The visit comes as the Universities of Wisconsin system faces some financial problems. 

Today, the Board of Regents recommended a two-year budget proposal that includes $855 million in new funding. It is meant to help avoid tuition hikes, give raises, and keep providing free tuition for low-income families. 

At UW-Madison's tour stop in Waukesha County, CBS 58 spoke with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin about the importance of more funding.

"Right now, the overall funding per student at the universities of Wisconsin, it's not what it should be. it's about 43rd out of 50 states in the country," said Mnookin. "It would be an investment in our future, an investment in our students and our families."

The funding request now goes to Gov. Tony Evers, who will decide whether to include it in his next budget plan.

Evers has previously said he plans to propose more than $800 million in new funding for the system.