In the News

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is calling on state lawmakers to preserve the “Wisconsin Idea” as a key part of the University of Wisconsin system.

 

The La Crosse Democrat introduced a resolution Wednesday — cosponsored by fellow House Democrats Marc Pocan and Gwen Moore — recognizing the importance of the university’s mission statement, which Gov. Scott Walker proposed removing from state law.

 

“The Wisconsin Idea has been part of the fabric of our state for over 100 years,” Kind said in a news release. “Generations of Wisconsinites have been guided by the values of giving back both inside and outside the classroom and fostering our students’ potential.”

 

The changes, including the elimination of phrases “to improve the human condition” and “the search for truth” from the mission statement, sparked public outcry when they were included as part of Walker’s proposed budget.

 

Walker initially characterized the language as a “drafting error,” though documents obtained by the Wisconsin State Journal show he was prepared to defend the change.

 

The Legislature’s finance committee has since removed those changes from the budget bill.

 

A spokeswoman with Kind’s office said “we are focused on building support” for the resolution in the GOP-controlled House.