State legislative update

Joint Informational Hearing by Higher Education Committees

Yesterday, the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education heard a presentation about aligning education, workforce, and economic development policy by the Education Commission of the States (ECS).  See the ECS report, "Revving the Education Engine." Following the presentation, UW System President Kevin Reilly and other Wisconsin higher education leaders were invited to provide remarks and answer questions from committee members. 

See Wisconsin Eye coverage of President Reilly's remarks, as well as coverage of the entire informational hearing. (total time: 1hr. 52 min)

Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee amends UW Task Force Bill and hears Differential Tuition Proposal

The committee voted to amend SB 184 to change the reporting date for the Special Task Force on UW Restructuring and Operational Flexibilities from January 7, 2013 to July 31, 2012.  The bill will need to return to the Senate for concurrence before it heads to Governor.

Following that vote, the committee held a public hearing on AB 241 relating to differential tuition. The committee heard testimony from UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson and campus student leaders in support of the bill. See Wisconsin Eye coverage.