No callback
The economy is rough, especially in Michigan.
But this is no excuse to call back funding for public universities.
Given the precarious situation, Central Michigan University is holding its state funding close and is prepared if Gov. Jennifer Granholm calls back its 1 percent funding increase from this summer. A formal plan from CMU is not in place, but the possibility is being considered.
When Granholm plans mid-year budget cuts, she would make a large mistake if she were to call back university funding.
It is said time and time again, but it is true: The public universities are essential in providing education to the state's citizens. An educated workforce may not solve all Michigan's economic problems, but it will help.
However tight funding is, universities need to be given special priority. Michigan already ranks last in the country for higher education funding; if anything, the state needs to be more supportive of its universities.
The 1 percent increase was nothing monumental, but it was a step forward. Granholm should not take a step backward, even if she is under considerable economic pressure.
As talks of tuition increases for spring loom large, a callback in state funding would only worsen the situation. CMU is not overflowing with money; a callback in state funding likely would show up primarily in students' tuition bills or through further academic cuts. CMU should not have to endure this.
That said, the possible callback - for now - is little more than that: a possibility.
And we hope it becomes nothing more.
