Governor Jim Doyle made a stop in Western Wisconsin Thursday to talk about the assembly budget and what could be ahead for the UW-System, if the proposed two-year plan passes.

Governor Doyle says the assembly budget cuts funding for the three schools by more than $13 million, which could affect financial aid and other programs.

Doyle also outlined his priorities for the next fiscal year.

"I'm really working to try and make sure we try and give good tax breaks for the people that really matter - the middle class," Doyle said. "We want to make sure we adequately fund health care, we get more people who have access to affordable health insurance and we have good education."

Doyle spoke at UW-Stout, alongside leaders from UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls.

The UW-Eau Claire chancellor says that would be $5.7 million short of the money needed to continue costs at the current level there.

"That means fewer classes, less access to faculty, it means fewer support services for students and the overall educational experience students get from being on a residential campus," said UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Dr. Brian Levin-Stankevich.

But, the money proposed for the UW-System in the assembly budget is a three percent increase from last year.

And Republican leader Terry Moulton says it's important to recognize the state is facing a difficult financial situation.

"We're spending more money on education than we ever have," said Rep. Terry Moulton. "It may not be as much as some people feel is necessary, but it is an increase and we do recognize education is a priority."

A conference committee will start working to negotiate a final version of the budget.

In order for that budget to take effect, it must pass the assembly and the senate, and Governor Doyle would have to sign it into law.

The current budget year started July 1.