UP Gazette

State Representative Greg Markkanen, who chairs the House Higher Education and Community Colleges budget committee, has introduced a $2.4 billion budget plan for Michigan's higher education system. The proposal includes a $5,500 annual scholarship for Michigan high school graduates attending in-state public or private universities.

"Money shouldn’t be a barrier for any Michigan high school graduate seeking a quality higher education in their home state," said Markkanen, R-Hancock. He emphasized the importance of retaining talented graduates within the state to address workforce needs and contribute to local communities.

The proposed budget maintains current funding levels for university operations at $1.68 billion but aims to address perceived funding imbalances by reducing allocations to Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Michigan (U-M). MSU would see a reduction of nearly $62 million, while U-M would face cuts exceeding $239 million. These funds would be redistributed among the state's 13 other universities.

"Michigan’s largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long," Markkanen stated. "Our plan sets things right by trimming the fat off MSU and U of M and distributing that funding amongst our 13 other remarkable universities."

Under this proposal, universities would receive funding based on enrollment, with $5,500 allocated per full-time resident undergraduate student enrolled in 2024. Additional appropriations are noted for MSU's AgBioResearch and Extension programs, as well as U-M's endowment distributions.

The budget introduces the Campus Investment Fund for infrastructure projects, with allocations capped according to each school's endowment size. Additionally, it proposes eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies at Michigan universities. Non-compliant institutions would face funding cuts until they align with state requirements.

Markkanen linked these changes to federal efforts: "President Trump is doing important work at the federal level, and I want to make sure Michigan expands upon those efforts." The plan includes measures against race-based policies in admissions and requires legal status verification for students while capping administrative spending at 10%.

In conjunction with this proposal, Markkanen announced a $450 million community college budget plan featuring free universal community college through an expanded Michigan Achievement Scholarship offering $2,750 annually per student attending full-time. This plan also seeks to eliminate DEI policies in community colleges.