JOINT RESPONSE FROM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE PRESIDENTS ADDRESSES GOVERNORS BUDGET SURPLUS PROSAL

In a May 13 release, Technical College Presidents from 15 technical institutions across the state including Northcentral Technical College responded to Governor Evers bipartisan budget surplus proposal announced May 11th. The response from college leaders highlights the importance of sustained, long-term investment in workforce education.

College leaders say the proposal would shift a portion of technical college funding from local property taxes to state support but would not provide additional long-term funding for expanded programs or workforce training. They say Wisconsin employers continue facing workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, skilled trades, public safety, construction and information technology, while technical colleges remain committed to working with state leaders on sustainable funding solutions.

In a joint statement from the group of college presidents, they shared that “Wisconsin’s technical colleges recognize the financial pressures facing families and communities across the state, and we appreciate bipartisan efforts to provide taxpayer relief. At the same time, long-term investment in workforce education remains critical to meeting Wisconsin’s growing labor needs and ensuring technical colleges can continue expanding training opportunities for students and employers across our state.”

The colleges reiterated that they remain committed to collaborative efforts with Gov. Evers, legislative leaders, and state policymakers throughout the budget process to uncover sustainable, long-term funding solutions focused on strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce and they support the evolving needs of employers, students, and communities statewide.