2 days ago
State lawmakers propose huge cuts for MSU, U-M
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — State lawmakers have proposed millions in budget cuts for Michigan State University and the University of Michigan due to the 'imbalance of state funding poured into' the schools.
State Rep. , chair of the House Higher Education and Community Colleges budget committee, announced on Wednesday his $2.4 billion budget plan for Michigan's higher education system.
The House Higher Education Budget proposal will not change state funding for university operations, which is approximately $1.68 billion.
However, the proposal reduces funding to MSU by nearly $62 million and U-M by more than $239 million.
These freed funds will be used to increase support for the state's 13 other universities.
The House proposal would also eliminate DEI policies in Michigan universities. If a school is found to have a DEI policy in place, state funding would be withheld until it complies.
The plan also includes requirements keeping men out of women's sports. Markkanen says this will put 'Michigan in line with Supreme Court decisions banning discrimination in admissions, legal status verification for every student, banning graduations based on race or sex.'
'President Trump is doing important work at the federal level, and I want to make sure Michigan expands upon those efforts,' said Markkanen in a news release sent to 6 News. 'We're putting an end to the race-based policies that have hurt our students for years. We're ensuring every person who attends a higher education institution in Michigan is a legal resident of our country. We're also limiting the amount that can be spent on overpaid and often ineffective university administration.'
The House budget recommends that universities receive funding on a per-person basis, $5,500 for each full-time resident undergraduate student enrolled in 2024.
'Michigan's largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long,' said Markkanen in a news release sent to 6 News. '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.'
Michigan State University Kevin Guskiewicz said in May that, 'We will need to make hard decisions that will impact people we care about' as the school adjusts its budget in the wake of federal changes.'
'Hard choices' ahead as MSU President says 'we must adjust our financial path'
Guskiewicz said he's proud of what he school has accomplished in his first full year as leader of the university, but he also calls it 'a challenging year, especially these last four months' as he says changes at the federal level 'undercut our ability to advance our land-grant mission and continue essential research projects that make life better.'
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