Threats to MSU’s state funding increases may have been previewed Wednesday, when the state House narrowly voted down an amendment that would have redistributed much of the university’s $22.5 million increase to other universities.
The House passed the Higher Education Appropriation’s bill without changing the 7 percent increase slated for the university. The bill will now be sent to the Senate, where it is likely to be challenged.
The preview mirrors MSU’s per student funding situation, which is behind Wayne State University and the University of Michigan - the state’s other research institutions.
Although the House has supported closing the funding gap in the past, the effort from area representatives both on the floor and in committee resulted in the maximum increase for MSU this year.
“Michigan State is very appreciative of the strong support received in the House of Representatives,” MSU President M. Peter McPherson said.
McPherson said the university’s funding should not be a target for reappropriation because its level is still below the funding of the other research universities.
“There no doubt will be extensive discussion,” he said. “But frankly, there is not a better way to go into this conference than with the appropriation we have.”
State Rep. Michael Bishop, R-Rochester, sponsored a amendment that would redistribute funds slated for the schools with the largest increases, which included MSU.
“My concern was that is wasn’t equitable,” Bishop said. “We wanted to reshuffle the cards and make it more fair so all the universities would benefit.”
“I think State would have a better seat at the table if my amendment had passed,” Bishop said. “I have the feeling the Senate will look at this bill and laugh. When it comes back for concurrence it will have wholesale changes.”
However, East Lansing Democratic Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, whose district includes MSU, said the passed bill gives MSU the best chance to close the funding gap.
“The fact that we made such a strong statement on behalf of MSU at least gives the people from the House on the conference committee a good starting point to work from,” she said.
Whitmer said she was encouraged by the results from what she called “the most exciting day on the House floor this secession.”
“It increased MSU funding by seven percent, that is a big step to closing the funding gap,” she said.
