Republican House budget would see less cuts to funding for MTU & NMU

UPPER MICHIGAN (WLUC) - Michigan Tech University and Northern Michigan University could experience fewer cuts to their funding in the next fiscal budget.

Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-110th State House District) is the chair of the Michigan House Higher Education and Community Colleges Committee. He announced a $2.4 billion budget plan for Michigan’s higher education system on Wednesday, 3% more than last year. Under the proposed budget, funding for university operations in Michigan is expected to decrease by $828 million.

Markkanen says it would correct an imbalance of state funding poured into Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

In a statement, Markkanen says:

“Michigan’s largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long. 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.”

The plan would reduce MSU funding by $237 million, and U of M would see a decrease of $335 million. NMU would see a decrease in direct appropriations by $9.3 million, and MTU would drop by $8.2 million.

However, Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-40th State House District) says he’s concerned about cutting funds to the two largest research universities.

“Thinking along the lines with our need of across the state--families, institutions, employers and our whole country to compete with China,” Longjohn said.

The budget also offers a yearly $5,500 scholarship for all Michigan high school graduates if they attend a Michigan public or private university. The proposal would also redefine a full-time student as taking 15 credits compared to the usual 12.

Rep. Julie Rogers (D-41st State House District) says maintaining that status could be hard for some.

“Life happens and there may be different course loads that they can take,” Rogers said. “That does seem a little bit burdensome at a time when students are facing a lot of different stressors.”

The proposal would also withhold funding if a university has Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies. NMU and MTU have previously announced their compliance with President Trump’s executive orders.

On DEI policies, Markkanen says:

“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.”

It’s likely this proposal will change, as the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate need to negotiate before sending a plan to the governor.

Find the budget summary here.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story claimed that both NMU and MTU would have seen funding increases. This, however, is not true; instead, both would see fewer funding cuts than other Michigan universities. The story has been corrected to reflect that.

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