Contact: Brian Taffora, 608-252-9245
MADISON – The Wisconsin Business Council (WBC) has endorsed the Badger Partnership – a plan spearheaded by UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin that would give the school more autonomy from the University of Wisconsin system. Chancellor Martin discussed the proposal at the WBC’s general membership meeting last month.
Phil Prange, President and CEO of the WBC, issued this statement regarding the endorsement:
“UW-Madison is one of the world’s great education and research institutions, bringing over one billion dollars annually into our state. If Wisconsin had a company that was bringing in that level of capital and it needed some modicum of flexibility, I feel confident that Wisconsin would support that company. We can do no less for the university.
“UW-Madison is an engine of ideas and it is essential that we give the university the tools it needs to continue to meet its historically high standards. The Badger Partnership would provide the autonomy and flexibility necessary for UW-Madison to solve the unique problems it faces with regards to budgeting and control over key aspects of its administration.
“We feel this plan is in the best long-term interests of UW-Madison, and is the best way to ensure our state continues to capitalize on the benefits of this world-class university.”
The Wisconsin Business Council is an organization that seeks to support Wisconsin’s economic climate and quality of life through collaboration, improved public policy, and private sector initiatives. For more information, please visit http://www.wibusiness.org.
