2008 Woodie Awards
CMU unsatisfied with Granholm's proposed budget
By: Maria Spicketts
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
University officials say they are unsatisfied with Gov. Jennifer Granholm's latest budget proposal, which would give Central Michigan University a 2.3 percent increase in funding.
CMU would get an additional $1.9 million under the plan, which Granholm released Thursday.
"As the fourth-largest university in the state, the dollars should follow the students," said Steve Smith, director of media relations. "We certainly have a long way to go. (Our) increase is the lowest that the 15 public universities will receive. But given the tight economy, any increase is welcome."
Granholm's plan calls for a 3 percent total increase in higher education funding for public universities, worth $62 billion. The total higher education budget is more than $1.5 billion.
CMU would receive $83.8 million total in funding this year.
The governor based increases in higher education on a formula, said Leslee Fritz, State Budget spokesperson.
Fritz said 50 percent is based on degrees given with need-based criteria, 35 percent on participation in science and health fields and 15 percent on research.
CMU, Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University are among the universities that would receive a 2.3 percent increase.
This formula troubles Kathy Wilbur, vice president of government relations and public affairs.
"I am not pleased with the formula that has been proposed for distribution of those dollars," Wilbur said. "The governor recognized the very critical role higher education plays in the future of Michigan, but the distribution of those dollars is of great concern to me."
The budget is stronger this year compared to last, Fritz said.
"The looming national recession should have everyone moderately concerned and has put us in a position that is much less dire than what we were looking at a year ago," Fritz said. "Last year, we were looking to solve a $2 billion deficit, and this year we don't have one."
Granholm's proposed $44.8 billion budget is supported by increased taxes approved last year.
K-12 schools and essential services such as police and fire departments also received notable increases.
There also will be $170 million worth of cuts, with $100 million allocated to the state's rainy day fund.
Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt, said the governor is sending a nonconfrontational message.
"The tone ... is very different this year compared to last year," Cropsey said. "The governor really wants to have us done by the end of June."
Greg Bird, spokesman for Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, said the budget is solid.
"We're excited about it," Bird said. "We can continue to make the needed reforms to state government, so we can keep Michigan competitive through job creation, higher education and public safety."
news@cm-life.com
CMU would get an additional $1.9 million under the plan, which Granholm released Thursday.
"As the fourth-largest university in the state, the dollars should follow the students," said Steve Smith, director of media relations. "We certainly have a long way to go. (Our) increase is the lowest that the 15 public universities will receive. But given the tight economy, any increase is welcome."
Granholm's plan calls for a 3 percent total increase in higher education funding for public universities, worth $62 billion. The total higher education budget is more than $1.5 billion.
CMU would receive $83.8 million total in funding this year.
The governor based increases in higher education on a formula, said Leslee Fritz, State Budget spokesperson.
Fritz said 50 percent is based on degrees given with need-based criteria, 35 percent on participation in science and health fields and 15 percent on research.
CMU, Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University are among the universities that would receive a 2.3 percent increase.
This formula troubles Kathy Wilbur, vice president of government relations and public affairs.
"I am not pleased with the formula that has been proposed for distribution of those dollars," Wilbur said. "The governor recognized the very critical role higher education plays in the future of Michigan, but the distribution of those dollars is of great concern to me."
The budget is stronger this year compared to last, Fritz said.
"The looming national recession should have everyone moderately concerned and has put us in a position that is much less dire than what we were looking at a year ago," Fritz said. "Last year, we were looking to solve a $2 billion deficit, and this year we don't have one."
Granholm's proposed $44.8 billion budget is supported by increased taxes approved last year.
K-12 schools and essential services such as police and fire departments also received notable increases.
There also will be $170 million worth of cuts, with $100 million allocated to the state's rainy day fund.
Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt, said the governor is sending a nonconfrontational message.
"The tone ... is very different this year compared to last year," Cropsey said. "The governor really wants to have us done by the end of June."
Greg Bird, spokesman for Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, said the budget is solid.
"We're excited about it," Bird said. "We can continue to make the needed reforms to state government, so we can keep Michigan competitive through job creation, higher education and public safety."
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
michmediaperson
posted 2/08/08 @ 8:08 AM EST
Couple thoughts on this story:
1. CMU people encourage students, faculty, the community to vote for Granholm in the 2002 and 2006 election. So, CMU has no one to blame but themselves. (Continued…)
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