House Approves Higher Education Funding Plan

The Michigan House approved a higher education funding plan that would raise Northern’s state appropriation by 3.1 percent, or about $1.4 million. It breaks down as increases of 2.7 percent for NMU operations and 0.4 percent for the unfunded Indian tuition waiver mandate.

The Senate previously recommended an across-the-board 3 percent hike for state universities and the governor’s executive budget called for a 2.3 percent boost for NMU. A conference committee will resolve differences between the proposals before submitting a final version for the governor’s signature.

“The proposed increases after relatively flat state appropriations in recent years is an encouraging sign that legislators support higher education and recognize its important role in Michigan,” said Gavin Leach (Finance and Administration). “That’s tempered somewhat by the latest state revenue projections of an estimated $400 million deficit. The revenue picture will impact the level of support universities receive, so we are keeping an eye on that.” 

Leach said Northern received $45.6 million from the state last year.