Senate Democrats recently unveiled a $90 million economic development plan that includes significant new resources for Wisconsin 's technical colleges and technical college students.

The plan, Wisconsin Invests Now (WIN), directs $5 million annually to the technical colleges' Incentive Grant program for worker training and instruction in emerging occupations. A portion of the new resources are earmarked specifically for welder training.

Senate Democrats also propose a $1.3 million annual increase to the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant program, the state's primary need-based financial aid program for technical college students. WHEG funding increased by 2.4% in the 2007-09 budget. If approved, the Senate Democrats' proposal would bring the overall increase to 10%, matching the percent increase UW student received in the state budget.

The Legislature's 2007-08 Regular Session concludes on March 13th , meaning that the economic development proposals are expected to see the “fast-track” in the Senate. Proposals will likely meet with considerable opposition in the Republican-controlled State Assembly.