UW-Eau Claire Hosts Governor Tony Evers on Funding Increase

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire hosted Governor Tony Evers on Thursday as he promotes his plan to ask for a substantial funding boost.

Governor Evers stopped by the study abroad program fair at the University on Thursday morning. After speaking with students and volunteers at the fair, he spoke about the importance of providing more funding for the UW system schools.

“One of the reasons I am here though is to also talk about the fact that UW System is 43rd in the nation as it relates to state funding,” said Governor Evers. “And as you see in this campus and all campuses frankly across the state, the importance not only of what these campuses do for individual students but what they do for the well being and frankly the economy of the state of Wisconsin.”

Governor Evers also said it was an embarrassment to be ranked 43rd in the nation in state funding and it needs to be addressed. He’s hoping the funding increase will push the system into the 20s range nationwide.

In an effort to do that, Governor Evers has proposed an over $800 million increase in funding for the system. The request represents the largest biennial increase for the UW System in state history. He also expressed optimism that having new people in the state legislature on both sides will provide an opportunity to have productive discussions about the plan.

Governor Evers also spoke about Senator and Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance’s visit to Eau Claire earlier this week. He expressed his support for immigrants who have helped to create the state as it is known today. He also noted that Wisconsin is facing a shortage of workers in a number of fields, and should be welcoming as many people who are coming here to work as it can.

On Tuesday, Senator Vance was asked about concrete plans to protect access to rural healthcare. His answer focused on illegal immigration and providing more choice for veterans.

When asked about those comments and what steps he would take to address the growing healthcare crisis, Governor Evers said “Well we could do it easily. First of all that statement just makes me want to throw up frankly, but we can. The legislature can do their magic work and take Medicaid expansion, which there’s only like eight or nine states that have not taken it. We could have taken it when President Obama was there but Republicans have pushed back on that every single time.”

Governor Evers said accepting Medicaid expansion could bring in $2 billion, which would solve a lot of the problems facing rural healthcare providers today.