UW System President Katharine Lyall said in a Board of Regents meeting Friday reciprocity between the UW System and the University of Minnesota System will go unaltered for the next academic year, but said she is concerned Minnesota may try to change the system in the future.
Lyall made statements regarding press reports that Minnesota is considering changing the reciprocity agreement with Wisconsin, which allows Wisconsin and Minnesota residents to attend colleges in the neighboring state at a cost similar to resident tuition in their native state.
\At least for next year, things seem to be stable,"" Lyall said. ""Past examinations of this issue have led to the conclusion that reciprocity works well for both states. I hope this continues to be the case.""
Lyall reported Minnesota's tuition has risen faster and Wisconsin residents are currently able to attend Minnesota colleges for approximately $1,400 less than a Minnesota resident.
Approximately 13,000 Minnesota residents attend schools in Wisconsin while 10,000 Wisconsin residents attend in Minnesota, according to Lyall.
""Reciprocity maximizes student choice and minimizes costs,"" Lyall said.
The UW System Board of Regents also said they oppose all legislation drafted so far for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which would control state spending by minimizing taxpayer dollars that go toward the UW System, but would also greatly restrict the UW System's ability to raise tuition if necessary.
Various state legislators previously appeared before the Regents' Business and Finance Committee, explaining three different proposed drafts of the constitutional amendment.
""There is virtually no version [of the proposed amendment] that is in the best interest for the University of Wisconsin,"" Regent Danae Davis said.
The regents acknowledged concern for tax relief but said they feel they are already helping to control state spending.
""The UW System shares in the commitment to control spending,"" Regent Jose Olivieri said. ""In fact, we've shared significantly.""
While the Business and Finance Committee did not make any recommendations about the proposed legislation, several other Regents expressed concern one of the drafts would be rushed through the Legislature before the next board meeting. If this happened, the UW System would not have a chance to take a stance on the legislation.
Regent Vice President David Walsh urged his fellow regents to take a position on the issue.
""It is vitally important that the Board of Regents not be neutral,"" Walsh said.
Once a draft of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is sent to the Legislature, the Regents plan to call a special meeting and look closely at that version of the amendment.
Olivieri said they will ""hold a special meeting and take strong action at that time.\
