Governor Doyle Column: Making Sure Higher Education Remains Affordable
On Tuesday, October 3, Wisconsin celebrates "Higher Education Day" - a day to focus on the importance of college, and on working together to make sure that it remains affordable.
Making sure that the doors of higher education remain open to all is a basic Wisconsin value, and we've made it a priority in this state.
For parents in Wisconsin, one of the proudest moments of their lives is the day their child goes off to college. It's something that every parent dreams of, and often has spent much of their life working toward.
Unfortunately, for many families, the pride of seeing their child go off to college also comes with concern about paying the bills. Middle class families are feeling the squeeze as the federal government - the primary source of student financial aid -- has reduced its commitment to that aid.
That's why state efforts to make college affordable are so important.
Wisconsin families can take advantage of EdVest, Wisconsin's college savings program that offers a wide variety of investment opportunities. It offers easy options for Wisconsin families to save for future college expenses. Investments can qualify for special state and federal tax benefits. Savings can be used for qualified higher education expenses at institutions across the nation. Information is available online at http://www.edvest.com/, or by calling 1-888-338-3789.
Three years ago, my administration was able to negotiate expanded investment options under EdVest, so that Wisconsin families had more choices and could benefit from lower fees. It's a substantial improvement to the program.
I have also signed into law a significant expansion of the college tuition tax deduction, so that you can deduct up to the average cost of tuition at the UW-system. The deduction also applies to students at our technical colleges and private universities.
Most importantly, over the last four years, we have doubled the state's investment in financial aid for UW students, and increased financial aid funding for technical colleges and students at private colleges as well.
The next step in this effort is the Wisconsin Covenant, which will ensure that eight graders in our state know that if they do their part, college will be an affordable option for them.
Last month, I signed a historic agreement with leaders of the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the state Department of Public Instruction to implement the Wisconsin Covenant.
Together, we are asking every eighth grader in our state to sign a pledge committing them to stay in school, maintain a B average, apply for financial aid, stay out of trouble, and be a good citizen. If a student holds up to his or her end of the bargain, we'll do our part, and make sure they have a spot in higher education and a financial package to meet their family's needs.
Specifically, a student who completes the Covenant agreement and lives up to it would be guaranteed a spot at one of our UW campuses, a technical college, or one of Wisconsin's many great private higher education institutions. In addition, we'll work with each family individually to make sure they have a package of state, federal and private financial aid that meets their family's needs.
I'm also asking business leaders to support the Wisconsin Covenant, by offering scholarships and mentoring opportunities. I believe we need to continue to build strong, statewide support for higher education - not only on Higher Education Day, but every day.
Let's work together to make sure that in Wisconsin, higher education will open to anyone who is willing to work hard.
Making sure that the doors of higher education remain open to all is a basic Wisconsin value, and we've made it a priority in this state.
For parents in Wisconsin, one of the proudest moments of their lives is the day their child goes off to college. It's something that every parent dreams of, and often has spent much of their life working toward.
Unfortunately, for many families, the pride of seeing their child go off to college also comes with concern about paying the bills. Middle class families are feeling the squeeze as the federal government - the primary source of student financial aid -- has reduced its commitment to that aid.
That's why state efforts to make college affordable are so important.
Wisconsin families can take advantage of EdVest, Wisconsin's college savings program that offers a wide variety of investment opportunities. It offers easy options for Wisconsin families to save for future college expenses. Investments can qualify for special state and federal tax benefits. Savings can be used for qualified higher education expenses at institutions across the nation. Information is available online at http://www.edvest.com/, or by calling 1-888-338-3789.
Three years ago, my administration was able to negotiate expanded investment options under EdVest, so that Wisconsin families had more choices and could benefit from lower fees. It's a substantial improvement to the program.
I have also signed into law a significant expansion of the college tuition tax deduction, so that you can deduct up to the average cost of tuition at the UW-system. The deduction also applies to students at our technical colleges and private universities.
Most importantly, over the last four years, we have doubled the state's investment in financial aid for UW students, and increased financial aid funding for technical colleges and students at private colleges as well.
The next step in this effort is the Wisconsin Covenant, which will ensure that eight graders in our state know that if they do their part, college will be an affordable option for them.
Last month, I signed a historic agreement with leaders of the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the state Department of Public Instruction to implement the Wisconsin Covenant.
Together, we are asking every eighth grader in our state to sign a pledge committing them to stay in school, maintain a B average, apply for financial aid, stay out of trouble, and be a good citizen. If a student holds up to his or her end of the bargain, we'll do our part, and make sure they have a spot in higher education and a financial package to meet their family's needs.
Specifically, a student who completes the Covenant agreement and lives up to it would be guaranteed a spot at one of our UW campuses, a technical college, or one of Wisconsin's many great private higher education institutions. In addition, we'll work with each family individually to make sure they have a package of state, federal and private financial aid that meets their family's needs.
I'm also asking business leaders to support the Wisconsin Covenant, by offering scholarships and mentoring opportunities. I believe we need to continue to build strong, statewide support for higher education - not only on Higher Education Day, but every day.
Let's work together to make sure that in Wisconsin, higher education will open to anyone who is willing to work hard.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 12:54 PM
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