Feb. 15, 2017 Biz and Tech [8]
It’s tax-time and while filing tax returns may be daunting, there are resources on campus to help students. Read more about the Volunteer Income Tax Association’s free tax service in the Biz and Tech section.
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Council clashes over annual Spring Splash Wisconsin Red cancels sponsorship after three years of involvement Marisa LaBello Senior Staff Writer
The City of Whitewater Common Council collectively agrees that the annual Spring Splash party is a growing concern for all residents, but disputes on handling the event became an issue for the Common Council. City Manager Cameron Clapper announced at the Feb. 7 meeting that Wisconsin Red, a
business that promotes and sells materials for events, will no longer be involved with Whitewater’s Spring Splash after three years of sponsorship. Clapper, council members and law enforcement recently met with Steve Farina, Wisconsin Red founder, and Kurt Patrick, owner of Pumpers and Mitchell’s, to discuss last year’s concerns after residents complained about vandalism, trespassing and littering. The meeting was initially intended to discuss how to improve the event’s safety, as council members agreed that Wisconsin Red’s sponsored party not the culprit for ruckus in the community. But after reviewing the negative im-
pact of Wisconsin Red’s social media campaign, some believed their marketing efforts promoted dangerous house parties and attracted outside visitors, who ultimately caused the harm. After reflecting on negative feedback, Wisconsin Red resigned from the event. The Feb. 7 meeting revealed that City Attorney Wallace McDonell may have had influence on Wisconsin Red’s decision. “I admit that I came off strong to Wisconsin Red and questioned why they would want to be involved in an event that caused so much damage,” McDonell said. “As the City Attor-
see Council page 2
Freezin’ for a reason
The annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics took place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Cravath Lakefront Park. Last year, Whitewater’s event raised about $70,000. From Left to Right: Senior Carina Krausert, Sophmore Caitlin Catino, Freshmen Kelly Storti, Senior Morgan Beaty, and Junior Alyssa Lennon jump into a pool of ice water on the 42 degree day – 40 degrees warmer than last year’s event. Photo by Sierra High / Photo Editor
Biennial budget proposes tuition cut, SUFAC changes Kimberly Wethal Co Editor-in Chief
Gov. Scott Walker released the 2017-19 biennial budget for the State of Wisconsin last week. In a change of pace from the prior budget cycle where the University of Wisconsin System received $250 million less in funding, Walker is now proposing to fund the public higher education system by an increase of $140.2 million. With the investment in the UW System, Walker says he’s looking to make Wisconsin “a leader in providing quality higher education that is affordable.” Walker “Working with the UW Board of Regents, we are building a performance-based system for new funds,”
Walker said in his budget address. “This will include criteria like the number of graduates, the length of time to graduate, how many graduates are employed, and how many are in high-demand areas within the state. We want student success to help fuel the growth of the Wisconsin economy.” The budget will need to pass through the Joint Finance Committee, undergo public hearings and be amended by the the Senate and the Assembly before Walker signs it into law; however, as it currently stands, here’s how the budget could impact the university. What’s in the budget? The state biennial budgets involves a multitude of variables in the form of funding to the state agencies. Where it concerns the Univer-
sity of Wisconsin System, Walker proposed increased funding and new initiatives last week. • •
•
Here’s the breakdown: A fifth year of frozen tuition for in-state undergraduate students. A 5 percent tuition decrease for in-state undergraduate students for the 2018-19 academic year, and $35 million in state funding to offset the costs of any lost revenue at the campuses’ educational operating budgets, which Walker said he promised to do when he spoke at the UW-W College Republicans first meeting of the spring semester. Language that would allow students to
see budget page 3