WTCS State Board submits 2005-07 budget request, additional general state
aid sought
The WTCS State Board unanimously approved at its August 25 meeting its 2005-07 budget request, a $34.5 million package intended in part to stop the decades-long decline in state aid to the WTCS. The two-year budget proposal, which was developed by a committee that included representatives from WEAC, AFT-WI and several other constituent groups, also includes important elements intended to spur economic development, expand access to minority populations and increase financial aid to WTCS students. Under the budget request, state aid for the WTCS would increase to $151.4 million in 2005-06 and $157.8 million in 2006-07, up from $136.7 million in the base year (2003-04).
Historically, the WTCS has been funded with a well-balanced mix of state aid, local property tax revenue, federal funds and tuition/fees. However, in recent years the funding mix has become unbalanced. The state's financial commitment to the system has failed to keep pace with growing enrollments and increasing costs. In 1980/81, general state aid accounted for 33.5% – one-third – of the WTCS's net aid-able costs. By 2003-04, general state aid covered only 17.8% of net aid-able costs.
The board's package seeks to stop this proportionate decline in the state's commitment to the WTCS. The package includes a 5% increase in general state aid in each year of the biennium. Under the proposal, general state aid would increase to $124.3 million in 2005-06 and $130.5 million under the request. These additional resources will provide the districts with the flexibility necessary to respond to rapidly evolving demands.
The board's request also envisions two new categorical programs for 2005-07. The Flexible Job Training Program and the Advanced Manufacturing Grants will allow the WTCS to continue supporting economic development activities in the communities they serve. The system is requesting $15 million over the biennium to fund the programs.
The board has also requested funding to increase services to minority students and students with disabilities.
In the approved budget request, the board also commits to working with the Higher Education Aid Board – the agency that controls the majority of Wisconsin's financial aid programs – to expand students' access to grant monies and to automatically tie grant funding levels to tuition.
The budget request was forwarded to the governor's office on September 15. The governor will weigh all state agencies' budget requests and develop his own comprehensive state budget proposal, due for release in early 2005.