Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Timing couldn’t be worse for big salary increases at UW
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Feb 15 2008, 06:12 AM
The UW System Board of Regents has approved huge increases in salary ranges for Chancellors and top level executives that will take effect July 1, 2008.
Conceivably, the Chancellor at UW-Madison could receive a 66 percent salary increase. John Wiley is set to retire in September, but his successor would be in line for the hefty increase.
I understand the argument that competitive salaries are needed to recruit the finest administrators for our University system. However, these astronomical salary increases come at a very bad time.
- Wisconsin taxes remain some of the highest in the nation.
- Wisconsin has a projected revenue shortfall of $652 million.
- Budget cuts will have to be considered.
- Wisconsinites are losing jobs.
- Wisconsinites are losing their homes.
Also troubling is the fact an un-elected, appointed Board of Regents is setting these outlandish salaries without accountability to the taxpaying public.
Governor Doyle’s appointees to the Board of regents are clearly out of touch with the state’s current fiscal dilemma and the hard-working people who pay the bills.
