Legislative Proposals

On this page, Northern Michigan University will summarize the higher education funding proposals of the Executive, Senate and House legislative branches, as well as the conference committee proposal and final higher education funding bill as they are announced. The Senate proposal is expected to be released to the public in early summer.

Governor's 2011 Higher Education Funding Proposal

Governor Jennifer Granholm's higher education funding proposal, as outlined in her 2011 executive budget, holds state support for university operations at the current level and restructures the Michigan Promise Scholarship program, which was eliminated in the 2011 state budget. The Promise previously awarded up to $4,000 to students who scored well on the high school Merit Exam and/or completed two years of postsecondary education with a minimum grade-point average. The revised version features a $4,000 refundable tax credit for new college graduates who work in Michigan for at least a year after earning a degree.

For full budget details, go to Governor Jennifer Granholm's Executive budget

Senate 2011 Higher Education Funding Proposal

Michigan's Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee presented its 2011 higher education funding bill in April. It calls for an overall 3.1 percent decrease in spending for Michigan's 15 public universities over funding provided in fiscal year 2010.

House 2011 Higher Education Funding Proposal

Michigan's House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee completed the fifth and final hearing of Michigan's 15 public university presidents on May 3. A proposal for fiscal year 2011 higher education funding is expected in late May or early June.