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