Bottom 10 nationwide. That’s where the Wisconsin ranks in funding for four-year state universities.

“Right now, we’re 43rd in the nation, I think, and state support for our public universities, University of Wisconsin system. And that’s real close to being last. And I just don’t think that’s a good idea for our state.” Said Governor Tony Evers at a visit to University of Wisconsin – Superior on September 16.

“I hear a lot of frustration. The idea that somehow student tuition is gonna cover it or other things, there’s all sorts of things that are not being done well on campuses because they just frankly don’t have these resources.”

According to the State Higher Education Finance report, Wisconsin is 42^nd for public higher education funding per full time enrolled student at 4 year universities. Neighbors Minnesota and Michigan rank 24^th and 30^th respectively, all three falling short the national average.

Evers, himself a former teacher and head of public instruction for the state, makes an annual back-to-school trip around the state, visiting schools. This time, he’s highlighting a new proposal to increase funding for the University of Wisconsin system, asking legislators for an $800 million increase for the 2025-2027 budget.

“One of my goals is to also make sure people understand how important state funds for even our smallest campus to our largest campus has to be better. Obviously, it’s a great campus and a smaller campus, but they do good work in a number of areas. Obviously, money is an issue.”

During the visit, Evers met with students and faculty. In conversations learned more about mental health wellness programs for students. He also took time to time to tour UWS’s brand new soccer facility, something student athlete Allison Alessi appreciates. She says thinks a budget increase would be big for the campus.

“I would be really grateful even as a student, even though I’m graduating, people coming in are gonna see the facilities and they’re gonna be so grateful to be able and have be prideful to be in the community and be able to have places like this that we can play on and then also classrooms and it’ll be super nice.” Alessi said.

For Evers, it’ll be a challenge to get the budget approved, but he still feels confident.

“I have to believe that during my predecessor’s time, we went from maybe the middle of the pack down to the bottom. So it’s just, it’s a matter of priorities. And we can do this. There’s no question about it. It’s just a matter of priorities and getting the entire legislature behind it.”

The governor will deliver the budget to the new legislature in January. Two year budgets are expected to be effective by the middle of next year.