Michigan House Bill HB5505

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/22/24
• Report Pass: 4/24/24
• Engrossed: 5/8/24
• Refer: 5/14/24
• Report Pass: 5/14/24

Caption

Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).

Impact

The bill specifically stipulates the distribution of these funds across multiple universities including Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and others. Each institution is allocated funds based on operational needs, per-student floor funding, and increases due to inflation or enrollment changes. Additionally, the bill designates funds for specific projects, such as the creation of new academic programs and technology upgrades.

Summary

House Bill 5505, known as the Senate Substitute for the House Bill, aims to amend the State School Aid Act of 1979. The primary objective of this legislation is to allocate funds for higher education appropriations for the fiscal years 2024-2025. The funding totals approximately $2.29 billion for various public universities across Michigan, providing a substantial financial foundation to support operations, infrastructure, and educational programs.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 5505 appears to be supportive among proponents of higher education funding. Advocates recognize the importance of financial backing for public universities to maintain educational standards and offer diverse programs to students. However, there are underlying concerns about the adequacy of funding and whether the allocated amounts meet the growing demands of higher education in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill involve the potential for uneven allocation of resources, with some critics arguing that it may favor larger universities at the expense of smaller institutions. Concerns about the overall adequacy of the funding in light of increasing operational costs and the need for modernization of educational facilities have also been raised. The bill's impact on budget priorities and how it reflects the government's commitment to education will likely continue to be a topic of debate.