Series about University Budget Situation Begins Tomorrow

               There is another two-year “tuition freeze” proposed, by Governor Scott Walker, for budget discussion beginning next year.  There is an election for governor later this year.  The background of budget situation for students, families and university staff could be relevant to discussions, especially during an election cycle.

                The overall budget situation for UWL stakeholders is average, by both state and national comparisons, according to research by students in the News Reporting and Editing class, Spring 2014. Their individual stories will be published daily, beginning Tuesday, April 15, on The Mercury, the on-line daily news site for the class.

                “Average” means tuition charges, compared to state subsidy, are significantly higher over recent decades and a series of budget cuts, while student debt is increasing.

This is the national trend since the early 1970s, though somewhat accelerated by the Great Recession, and probably unlikely to change. 

Specific findings include the following:

- cutting state support for higher education has been incremental since the early 1970s, with students paying the higher proportion even before the recession

- UWL tuition & fees (excluding room/board) is slightly over average among state campuses, slightly over its peer masters-granting universities, and less than the national average, including “flagship” campuses

- since the mid-1970s, tuition has risen approximately 800%, faculty salaries about 350%

- 71% of UWL undergrads have debt at graduation, approximately $26,000 each

- paying for college is no longer out-of-pocket for families but requires loans and other resources, including financial aid and employment

- total cost, including residence, food, & fees for non-academic activities, roughly doubles the tuition charges and becomes part of student debt

- student fees can increase during a “tuition freeze,” especially by consent (vote) of student body

- construction of academic facilities is not included in university budget;  residence halls, recreation and student centers are entirely student-paid but remain property of the state and can be sold or privatized

- UWL does not have a large percentage of “low income” students but also offers fairly modest scholarship awards

Time to Move Off Campus? by Carly Vail

Students at UW-L, as well as students all over the United States, usually end up moving off campus sometime in their college career. Some say it’s the specific freedom, others say the privacy, or the total experience of living on their own.

Once students move off campus, they are learning how to cook their own meals, while keeping up with homework and possibly working a job.

Sophomore Amanda Alden said her reasoning for moving off campus wasn’t based on  economics.  She said, “I wanted to be able to have more freedom and not have to worry about 24/7 supervision from a RA.”

Living on one’s own is something that everyone will eventually do. Some students think, “Why not jump start the process and start now?” It creates a more responsible person. Living off campus means students have to learn to cook, clean, and pay bills on their own.

Alysia Feldt said she decided to move off campus not only for the freedom, but also for the privacy. She enjoyed the dorm life and loved her roommate in Laux Hall, but she says it’s easier to get stuff done at home now that she has her own room.

The off-campus living experience could be finally learning how to work the vacuum cleaner, or not having specific hours where everyone must be quiet, or even just being able to have your own bedroom. Students seem to enjoy their own personal space, but also enjoy being social. Living off-campus gives many students this exact opportunity.                                                              

Law for Cyclists & Cars, by Mitchell Spoerl

Bicycles should be treated like a car on the road. Even if a shoulder is present, a cyclist is within rights to stay on the main part of the road. Due to the prevalence of bicycles in a college town, such as La Crosse, it is important for both the cyclists and motorists to know the rules of the road.

A cyclist should always allow three feet of room between them and anything on the road. That includes the curb, parked cars, cars in traffic, and other cyclists. That being said, two cyclists are allowed to ride tandem in the same lane, so long as they stay within the three-foot lane.

While it varies depending on the location, most of the time a cyclist is allowed to ride on the sidewalk. When on the sidewalk, the cyclist must warn other pedestrians when passing them from behind. At intersections, bicycles in sidewalks should be treated like any other pedestrian and given the right of way once crossing.

If a cyclist comes to a red-light-intersection and there are no cars present that have the right of way, then the cyclist may ride through the red light. However, they should have first come to a complete stop at the intersection and waited approximately forty-five seconds before attempting to cross.

If riding at night, a cyclist is required to have a white front headlight and a red rear taillight. The front light must be visible from at least five hundred feet away and the rear reflector must be visible from at least fifty feet away.

Farm Equipment Law Passes State Senate, by Danielle Cook

The “Implements of Husbandry” bill passed Senate approval last month. The bill permits Wisconsin farmers to operate their heavy machinery on roads legally, while ensuring public safety and making sure that roads and bridges are not damaged.

Farm machinery weight limits will be increased by 15%, allowing for the transport of more implements on public roads. Maximum single axle weight will increase from 20,000 to 23,000 lbs, and maximum gross vehicle weight will increase from 80,000 to 92,000 lbs.

Free permits will also be offered for machinery exceeding the larger limits. Denial for transportation must come in the form of scientific reasoning. However, permit officials will be able to designate a specific route for the machinery transportation.

“We believe it is imperative that farmers have the ability to operate their equipment on our roadways legally and safely without fear of law enforcement action. This bill gives us that,” explained Karen Gefvert, Governmental Relations director for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Written by Senator Jerry Petrowski and Representative Keith Ripp, of Marathon and Lodi, Wisconsin, respectively, the bill passed with extensive support.

The bill came into development in 2011, when custom manure haulers in Marathon County were stopped by local law officials and informed that they could not travel on the roads.  Most farm equipment has become larger, especially manure spreaders and feed wagons for the so-called “factory farms,” often travelling long distances as well for manure disposal.

A couple of regulations aim to ensure public safety when sharing the roads with large equipment. First, any machinery wider than 16 feet and traveling more than half a mile must have reflectors, including tape. Furthermore, any machinery wider than 20 feet will require an escort vehicle with flashing lights to alert the public sharing the road.

Towns and counties can opt out of enforcement and allow local machinery exceeding limits to travel without a permit. Floatation tire equipped machinery would still not be permitted on roads.

Things to Do in LaCrosse, by Mikayla Peters

La Crosse isn't just cheese and college. It offers many options for entertainment—not just high-life options, but also student-budget options. From Black River Beach to Bluffview Park, people have free options of beautiful places to bike or walk to. Enjoy the view from Granddad's bluff or find your inner child at Kids Coulee.

Other parks in La Crosse include Copeland Park, Erickson Park, Green Island Park, Hickey Park, Houska Park, Lueth Park, Myrick Park, Pettibone Park, Poage Park, Powell Park, Red Cloud Park, Riverside Park and Weigent Park.

People can hike the Hixon Forest Trails which offers wildlife-watching. One can go through the woods, the marsh, the prairies and up to the top of the bluff. NOTE: The off-road trails are temporarily closed while the ground is muddy and erodes easily.

Few people seem to know that La Crosse has one of the largest skate parks in Wisconsin. It includes a quarter pipe, wall ride, pool, multi-levels, half pipe, and a pyramid. Just head on down La Crosse street to Leuth Park.

Pettibone offers a disc golf course, only $5 for four disks on weekdays, and $10 for four disks on weekends.

On 7th street, the Green Island Ice Arena offers skating for $3, plus a rental fee of $3. Some people choose to buy a punch card, with 30 punches for only $25. The ice arena also offers beginner classes for those who want to learn to skate. The figure skating club of La Crosse meets here. Green Island also offers open curling for anyone of any level.

As the weather warms, people may find themselves wanting to visit the Pearl Street walking mall, looking in the unique shops and stopping in the businesses.

At Myrick park on April 21, people can go to the Earth fair. It is free to attend, and people will learn about sustainability. April 26 brings NASCAR to the La Crosse Fairgrounds.

May is always an active month in La Crosse. From the Fitness Festival to the Fun run to the 5K, there are plenty of reasons to get active now to be ready in May. May also signals the return of the La Crosse Queen and the paddle-boat cruises. The Riverside Museum is just nearby, with admission only $2.

The Syttende Mai in Westby is a Norwegian Folk Festival with ethnic food, costumes and dances on May 16-18.

May 24-25 brings Barre Fest, with cornhole tournaments, wiffle ball tournaments, chicken-Qs, live music and games in Barre, Wisconsin.

Starting June 15 and going through August 14, Pettibone offers rental of canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and fishing poles.

Myrick also offers children's movies in the park on June 21, July 6 and August 2 for free.

Award for Sen. Jen Shilling, UWL Grad, by Sam, Guinta

            Senator Jennifer Shilling will be presented, on May 1^st, with the Government Leadership Award at the KI Convention Center.

            Each year, Rehabilitation for Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Rehabilitation association get nominations for the award and decide who will receive it based on contributions to legislation, policies and practices that aid the lives of those with disabilities. 

            Senator Shilling was selected by Riverfront in La Crosse.  She was chosen because of her persistent support for people with disabilities in Wisconsin and her success in legislating a bill that received bi-partisan support in 2013.  This bill strengthens job training and placement by giving more funds to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  She increased the states funding to the DVR by $4.2 million, and qualified the group to receive another $15.5 million from the federal government.

            This will increase employment for disabled persons by reducing the waiting lists that the DVR has.  The DVR provides employment services and counseling to people with disabilities to attain employment, be more self-sufficient and decrease their reliance on government aid.

            “Empowering individuals with special needs to identify their unique abilities and maximize their potential continues to be a priority for me as a state senator,” said Shilling.