Depending on the forecast, certain government-funded institutions might have some of their funding restored, including public universities.

The meeting will be the first step in determining the state’s total budget picture. A larger indicator will come when Gov. Rick Snyder gives his budget proposal in mid-February.

Last year, lawmakers approved a 15 percent cut to universities, ultimately result in 6.9 percent tuition increase at MSU, which some legislators have argued actually was as high as 9.4 percent .

So far, officials are keeping mum on the chance of funding restoration, not confirming or denying the possibility.

“By mid-February we will have a budget released, which will (include) what our plans are, and at least from this administration’s viewpoint, higher education,” Nixon spokesman Kurt Weiss said.

But much of the money already has been committed, Weiss said.

Whether or not restoring higher education funding is a priority might become clearer next week when Snyder gives his State of the State Address.

“Michigan State and other universities, we’re grateful to see the state budget equalized,” Vice President for Governmental Affairs Mark Burnham said. “After a decade of cuts, there’s a definite need to invest in higher education.”

But getting money back might not be easy, as higher education would be competing with other interests for a slice of surplus pie, said Eric Scorsone, an MSU Extension expert in state finances.
Scorsone said government officials may want to have money in the bank to be safe.

“Given the economic uncertainty facing the world right now, this surplus could turn the other direction,” Scorsone said.

Political science senior Robert Goldman said he would like to see funds restored to MSU but understands economic times can be damaging to universities.

“The state is responsible,” Goldman said. “But in a statewide economic hardship it’s hard to expect the same (funding) as from previous economic times.”

_Staff writer Darcie Moran contributed to this report. _