MADISON - Tuesday, Republican JFC members were poised to cut millions of dollars from the University of Wisconsin (UW) System. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement in response to Speaker Vos’ comments and in anticipation of a multi-million dollar funding cut:

“Republican actions’ to cut funding from the UW System for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is small-minded, wrongheaded, and counterproductive to our state’s efforts to recruit and retain our future workforce.

“The positive impact of DEI programs is not a partisan issue. The RNC Host Committee has focused on DEI and WMC found in a survey that Wisconsin is perceived as being intolerant. It’s time for Speaker Vos and legislative Republicans to drop the culture wars and work in the best interest of Wisconsin. Unfortunately, today’s actions continue to show that they are not serious about creating a Wisconsin where people want to live, work, and play.

“The UW System is a vital part of our state’s economy, generating $15 billion annually in economic impact. Beyond the impact it has on student lives, it fulfills an integral role in our schools, cultural organizations, non-profits, and more.

“The recent actions by my Republican colleagues to withhold approval of a new College of Engineering building on UW-Madison campus, coupled with the funding cuts we are anticipating today is irresponsible. We can and should do more to support the UW System and its positive impact in our state.”