Doyle delivers growth agenda

By: Nathaniel Shuda

Posted: 2/1/07

In his first State of the State address since his re-election, Gov. Jim Doyle announced a plan to assist higher education with an investment of $225 million in the UW System.

"Tonight, I propose a new investment in the University to produce more college graduates, more engineers, scientists and nurses," Doyle said Tuesday. "We need more research, and more support for innovation that will be the cornerstone of our success."

In what he called an "agenda for growth," Doyle outlined plans to assist all the major UW System institutions with specialized projects, including expanding enrollment, recruitment and financial aid, increasing campus diversity and initiating programs to benefit the state's economy.

One such project included the NanoSTEM initiative, which would provide $3 to $4 million to UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College to help facilitate and promote nanotechnology.

Doyle's support of the project comes just a week after Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, announced plans to draft legislation, which has garnered support from those in the Chippewa Valley, including Rep. Terry Moulton, R-Chippewa Falls.

Supporters of the legislation said that while they appreciate Doyle's enthusiasm, at this point, they would like to see more action.

"He only gave it a small mention," said Kanavas' chief of staff Michael Richards. "It's an exciting thing in the Chippewa Valley, and we think it warrants more attention."

In addition, Richards said, with the proposition of tax hikes in the future, he is concerned with where the funding will come from.

"Our hope is that we can get it on the budget," he said. "It's definitely worthy of funding from the state."

Doyle will announce his proposed 2007-2009 biennial budget Feb. 13.

David Giroux, executive director of communications for the UW System, said that while the state might support such a partnership, it is still the System's responsibility to make sure it happens.

"We've got to make a very compelling case to people on both sides of the political aisle," Giroux said. "Higher education is the pathway to economic prosperity for Wisconsin."