Ensure Heritage Hall Renovation Project Funding Is Included in the 2023-25 State Budget
Join business and industry leaders and alumni from across Wisconsin and let the Wisconsin Legislature know how critical Heritage Hall and its graduates are to addressing the needs of our local communities and our state's workforce shortages. Over the past few months, in public hearings and private meetings, leaders in manufacturing, mental health, childcare, tourism, education and other industries have spoken about the personal impact Stout has throughout the state. The Heritage Hall Renovation Project has the unwavering support of the UW System Board of Regents, which ranked it the #1 priority in the Chippewa Valley. Stout first requested funding for Heritage Hall in 2009, and the project cannot be deferred any longer.
We need your help to make sure Stout's students and the taxpayers of Wisconsin benefit from Heritage Hall.
Advocate for Heritage Hall by Contacting Your Elected Representatives
Please demonstrate your support for UW-Stout’s Heritage Hall Renovation Project by contacting your elected representatives and following the steps below:
1. Learn More About the Heritage Hall Renovation Project
Familiarize yourself with the Heritage Hall Renovation Project by visiting the associated website.
- Download an Overview PDF of the Heritage Hall Renovation Project
- Visit the Heritage Hall Renovation Project Webpage
2. Identify Your Elected Officials
Use the State of Wisconsin's website to identify your state representative.
You can also advocate for Heritage Hall with members of the Joint Committee on Finance.
3. Write a Letter or Email of Support to Your Legislator
Using the template below, we encourage you to personalize your letter using specific and personal examples of how the Heritage Hall Renovation and UW-Stout's distinct Polytechnic mission are essential to the vitality and long-term vibrancy of Wisconsin.
If possible, please share a copy of your letter with us, so we can recognize your support in our effort. If you would prefer UW-Stout send the letter on your behalf, we’re also happy to help. Please send your final letter to Kristi Krimpelbein at krimpelbeink@uwstout.edu.
Dear [Legislator Name]:
It is well documented that Wisconsin workforce shortages in numerous industries are challenging our local communities and the growth of our economy. It is more important than ever to invest in sound solutions that rebuild Wisconsin’s workforce to address our current needs and to retain Wisconsin graduates to ensure the future of our state.
Funding the renovation and revitalization of UW-Stout’s Heritage Hall will play a pivotal role in addressing projected needs in Wisconsin’s hospitality and tourism, mental health and wellness, childcare, and education industries.
With the necessary investment in Heritage Hall, UW-Stout will build on its already unmatched graduate employment rates to provide the State of Wisconsin with critical means to educate and train a workforce prepared to fill Wisconsin’s talent needs well into the future.
A revitalized Heritage Hall will enhance Stout’s contributions to Wisconsin’s economy, its taxpayers, and students. The project will:
- Renew Heritage Hall’s applied learning and research spaces;
- Expand development of career-focused degrees, certificate programs, and market-driven professional development offerings; and
- Enhance Stout’s institutional-industry collaborations.
The renovation of this failing building cannot wait any longer. Delays to the project are costing taxpayers an additional estimated $10 million each year due to inflation.
As a strong supporter of UW-Stout and the Heritage Hall Renovation Project, I request you support the Heritage Hall renovation in the 2023-25 Budget.
Sincerely,
[Name]
