MADISON, Wis. — Senator Rob Hutton (R–Brookfield), chairman of the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, issued the following statement regarding the UW Board of Regents’ vote to increase tuition for a fourth consecutive year:
“Wisconsin’s public universities are one of our state’s most important assets. They educate the next generation of leaders, drive innovation, and provide the talent pipeline that employers across Wisconsin depend upon.
“That is why I am disappointed that, once again, the Regents have chosen to increase tuition rather than pursue the kind of long-term structural reforms needed to improve affordability and expand access for students.
“Since 2021, the UW System’s budget has grown from approximately $12.9 billion to nearly $15.9 billion, an increase that tracks inflation. The Legislature also provided an additional $256 million in taxpayer support in the most recent state budget. Yet students and families are now facing a fourth consecutive tuition increase, putting a first-class UW education further out of reach for many deserving families.
“The challenge facing the UW System is not simply one of resources. It is whether we are willing to undertake the reforms necessary to make the System stronger, more responsive, and more affordable over the long term. That includes streamlining bureaucracy, reducing unnecessary duplication across campuses, modernizing governance, and ensuring programs align with the needs of today’s students and Wisconsin employers.
“The Regents should be leading that conversation and driving those reforms, which is why I am disappointed and concerned about the continued focus on raising prices. I remain committed to working with UW leaders, employers, students, and taxpayers to ensure Wisconsin’s public universities remain among the very best in the nation for generations to come.”
