Provision passed to dissolve WiscNet

 

  


 The UW Board of Regents also addressed concern over the threat to WiscNet last week.


  


 WiscNet, created in 1991 by a grant from the National Science Association, currently consists of 450 member organizations, including both public school districts, technical colleges and private universities as well as local governments and libraries. In addition, WiscNet provides broadband service to the communities of Wausau, Platteville, Chippewa Valley and Superior.


  


 As a cooperative, WiscNet member organizations pool their own resources to help subsidize costs for schools, libraries and universities that are struggling financially.


  


 Rep. Louis Molepske, D-Stevens Point, criticized the decision to end WiscNet services.


  


 ""Schools and libraries already hit hard by spending cuts will be forced to pay two to three times as much for internet provided by private companies,"" Molepske said in a statement. ""At a time when we are asking universities, libraries and K-12 schools to ‘do more with less, we should not be hampering their ability to access affordable, reliable internet through a nonprofit service.""


  


 Molepske is on of 30 legislators who urged Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, and Speaker of the Assembly Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, to reconsider the provision.


  


 In a letter, the senators wrote, ""At a time of so much economic uncertainty, we cannot afford to take actions that so negatively impact so many organizations and risk harming the economic recovery we all want to support.""


  


 But businesses like Access Wisconsin, a managing partner for private telecommunication companies, applaud the measure, saying in a statement, ""We thank those legislators for their actions to stop UW's harmful and inappropriate attempts to take on projects outside its mission.""


  


 The state Assembly will begin debating the biennial budget, including changes to WiscNet and broadband, service Tuesday.