MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Legislative Democrats said Wednesday Republicans in the majority are set to cut tens of millions of dollars from the University of Wisconsin System in the next two-year state budget. A top Republican leader told reporters he's on board with significant cuts to the university system.
Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (R-Racine) told reporters Democrats have gathered Republicans on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee plan to cut $87 million from the UW System's $13.7 billion budget.
Democrats have indicated such a cut would be a hardline issue for them, keeping members from voting for the GOP's re-write of the budget. Gov. Tony Evers' office signaled they won't sign a budget that makes such a substantial cut to higher education.
"A cut like that would have consequences for thousands of students, staff and faculty and is just unacceptable," Neubauer told reporters.
Joint Finance Co-Chair Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) told a CBS 58 reporter, "I don't know" when asked Wednesday if the $87 million figure was accurate.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) was coy when asked about the cut, telling reporters they'd have to wait and see if Neubauer's amount was correct. Vos went on to say he's on board with a cut of that size to the UW System's budget.
"It's not about cutting money. What it is about is getting some kind of reforms to the broken process we currently have," Vos said. "Look, this is not a new topic for Republicans. I think we look and say there is still too much political correctness on campus. We don't have enough respect for political diversity."
In 2023, the UW Board of Regents capitulated to legislative Republicans, agreeing to reduce the number of diversity-related positions in exchange for about $800 million, including the release of withheld pay raises and funding for building projects.
Neubauer said the proposed cuts would jeopardize the future of the Platteville, River Falls and Stevens Point-Wausau campuses. A spokesperson for the UW System said cuts would be devasting.
"After years of neglect, our public universities are already near the bottom in per student funding, as we rank 44th out of 50 states nationally," Universities of Wisconsin Spokesperson Mark Pitsch said "It's astounding that reductions would be a consideration, when the legislature knows what is at stake for our communities, our workforce, and our ability to develop the talent that Wisconsin counts on for its economic vibrancy."
The question of UW System cuts could set up a pair of showdowns. If Republicans pass a budget with those cuts, Evers' spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, indicated Evers would not sign off on it.
"Cutting the UW System is a non-starter for Gov. Evers, as it should be for every lawmaker whose high-quality public education at our world-class institutions helped get them to where they are today," Cudaback said. "Our kids deserve to have that same opportunity."
Republicans are also walking a tightrope in the Senate where they hold an 18-15 majority. GOP Senators Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) and Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) have indicated they're not satisfied with the budget currently shaping up.
Republicans can only afford to lose one member in the Senate and still pass a budget without needing Democratic votes, which would be nearly impossible to obtain with cuts to the university system.
Nass said he's heard conflicting information about possible cuts to the UW budget. He added he supports cuts to the university system, arguing the UW has enough money in its reserves to absorb the blow.
"[Evers and Democrats] like to spend money," Nass said. "And they think the university system should be one of the sacred cows, generally speaking."
The current budget cycle ends June 30, and if a new budget isn't in place by then, spending will continue at current levels.
Nass said he has no problem holding up the state budget in order to get the cuts he believes are necessary.
"If it doesn't get done 'til August, life goes on," he said after Wednesday's session. "It'll be fine."