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An Overview of Postsecondary Funding in Gov. Whitmer's Budget Proposal

Image of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and council

On Feb. 8, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her fiscal year 2024 budget proposal. This $79 billion plan includes bold investments in higher education, the K-12 system, and early childhood education. Among the items relevant to MCAN’s work, the budget includes:

  • 4% ongoing increase to public universities ($64M) and community colleges ($14M)
  • Funding to support the Michigan Achievement Scholarship ($50M ongoing, $50M one-time)
  • Expansion of Michigan Reconnect by temporarily lowering the age of eligibility from 24 to 21 ($140M)
  • 5% increase in K-12 per-pupil funding ($614M)
  • Funding to incentivize FAFSA completion ($15M)
  • Universal free preschool as part of Great Start Readiness Program expansion ($244M)

 

MCAN’s Statement

In response to the budget proposal, MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss released a statement supporting the governor’s proposed education investments.

“Budgets reveal a state’s priorities, and Gov. Whitmer’s budget proposal shows that she understands the economic importance of getting more Michiganders to and through college. Her proposed $730 million in postsecondary education funding in support of Sixty by 30 would provide a much-needed boost to a higher education system still dealing with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and help more Michiganders gain vital skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce.”

Read the full statement →

 

Executive Budget Documents

The governor’s budget presentation, as well as omnibus bills and other supporting documents, are available through the State Budget Office.

View budget documents →

 

In the Media

(some articles are behind paywalls)

What Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wants to Fund in $79B Budget (Bridge Michigan)
Whitmer’s 5th Budget Proposal Spends $79B for Education, Safety, Infrastructure And More (Michigan Advance)
Whitmer’s Budget Proposes Funding Increases in Every Aspect of Michigan Education (MLive)
5 Highlights of Whitmer's Record-Setting State Budget Plan (The Detroit News)
Gov. Whitmer $79B Budget Plan Seeks Record School Funding, Tax Relief (The Detroit News)
Whitmer Budget Focuses Surplus Into K-12, Economic Development (Gongwer)
Whitmer Recommends Dream Dem K-12 Budget (Gongwer)
Achievement Scholarship Gets $100M; U's See 4% In Operations (Gongwer)
Reconnect Would Expand To Students 21+ With $140M Supplemental (Gongwer)

 

Short Description

On Feb. 8, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her fiscal year 2023 budget proposal. This $79 billion plan includes bold investments in higher education, the k-12 system, and early childhood education.

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