Issue Position: Supporting our Colleges and Universities

Issue Position

Increasing our investment in Michigan's system of higher education is crucial to our future. Not too long ago, our system of colleges and universities was widely regarded as one of the nation's best. Unfortunately, that distinction -- and our investment in higher education -- has drastically slipped and now Michigan is one of only a few states that spends more on locking up our criminals than we do on institutions of higher learning. I believe this is all emblematic of our failed priorities and that we are squandering a legacy that took over a century to build. In fact, support for our universities is far below the national average and falling; Michigan spends just $5,289 per student while the national average is $7,1494. Our students and citizens deserve better.

First and foremost, we have to do a better job helping Michigan residents access the educational opportunities available at these institutions. That means investing more resources into making college affordable. Economic barriers should not prevent our best and brightest from success and our state will benefit from scholarship, loan and investment programs that we make available to Michigan families. The Michigan Educational Trust is one example of the type of program that the state can provide to make higher education more affordable. In the 80's, the MET was a visionary idea that set Michigan apart and helped many Michigan families save for college affordably.

As your State Representative I will:

Increase state support for our universities.
Our state has been steadily divesting from our state universities. While in the midst of the worst economic decline in 70 years, our state has been systematically cutting our best engines for job growth and economic development. It is appalling to me that while our state has been slashing support to our most effective economic development strategy, there has been unprecedented lip service being paid to "economic development." Locally, we understand intuitively and have experienced firsthand the value of a strong and vibrant educational system -- from Head Start to our K-12 public schools to our community colleges and great research universities. As your representative, I will keep our community priorities at the forefront: fund our universities; they're critical to our current and future prosperity.

Support Scholarship and Loan Programs that make education attainable for every student.
I support the continuation and the improvement of the Michigan Promise, the Michigan Educational Trust and the implementation of new programs to address college affordability.

Promote Diversity in Higher Education.
A diverse student body and educational staff are important to building the best Universities. People from different backgrounds and different places deepen and enrich the educational and cultural environments. Especially in light of recent court rulings restricting the use of affirmative action to address this priority, our institutions of higher learning may need policy changes in Lansing to benefit their educational experience. As your legislator, I will work with colleges and universities to address this challenge by introducing ideas such as guaranteed admissions to the top 2% of students graduating from each Michigan high school.

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