UW System wants a Wisconsin commitment - KJ LANG, LaCrosse Tribune

Thirty years ago, state support accounted for 46 percent of the university's annual budget. Today it makes up less than 24 percent, according to System data. Students and families have had to pick up the tab by paying higher tuition. In 2001, 36 percent of educational costs were paid by students. Today, that number has nearly doubled. Also, the system has had to cut non-instructional positions, attempting to preserve teaching and learning. Those non-teaching positions are needed as enrollment grows and the system seeks to enroll a more diverse student body, Reilly said.