Michigan House GOP Proposes Deep University Funding Cuts

Michigan House Republicans have proposed a $2.3–$2.4 billion higher education budget that would reduce state funding for the University of Michigan by 91.6% and for Michigan State University by 72.6%, reallocating much of these funds to the state’s 13 other public universities. The budget plan slashes overall direct appropriations to universities by $828 million, or about 49%, and boosts long-term funding for college scholarships, including a $5,500 annual scholarship for Michigan high school graduates attending in-state schools. It introduces a per-student funding model, imposes penalties on universities maintaining DEI initiatives, and requires legal residency verification. Critics, especially Democrats and university officials, argue the cuts will harm educational quality and student support, and have objected to the rapid legislative process. The Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate must now negotiate before the July 1 budget deadline, with the Senate backing increased university funding. These proposed changes highlight ongoing debates over public funding, DEI policies, and support for flagship versus regional universities.