MCAN excited about Gov. Whitmer’s continued support for education

LANSING, Mich. — Earlier today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her fiscal year 2025 budget proposal at a joint meeting of the House and Senate appropriations committees. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to building a well-educated workforce, with significant investments in pre-K through high school students, postsecondary education and adult learners, as well as embedding infrastructure in the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). Highlights from the budget proposal include:

• Michigan Guarantee — $159 million in funding for universal preschool, as well as two years of tuition-free community college for all high school graduates through a $30 million expansion to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
• FAFSA Completion — $40 million allocated over four years and moved to MiLEAP. 
• Community Colleges and Public Universities — 2.5% ongoing increase in operational funding.
• K-12 Education — 2.5% increase in base per-pupil funding.
• MCAN Appropriation — Continued appropriation of $3 million in support of MCAN’s college access and success work and an additional $1 million in one-time funding.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — Replacing the use of TANF funding with General Fund allocation for the Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Tuition Grant, and Michigan Competitive Scholarship, in anticipation of a federal ban on using TANF funds for scholarships.
• Michigan Reconnect — Continued funding for Michigan Reconnect, with expanded eligibility for adult learners ages 21-24, continuing from the FY2024 allocation.
• MiLEAP — Funding to build the structure and capacity of the new MiLEAP department.

Statement from MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss
"Today's budget proposal reinforces Gov. Whitmer's commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have bright long-term futures through college access and postsecondary attainment," said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. "The governor continues her unprecedented investment in this important work, giving all Michiganders nearly overnight access to participate in a free pre-K through 14 pipeline, better meeting the needs of our employers and our residents. Michigan’s economic future depends on reducing barriers to postsecondary education and getting more residents to and through college, especially low-income individuals, first-generation college-going students, and people of color. MCAN is excited to now work with the legislature to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in pursuit of Sixty by 30."