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Subcommittee advances higher‑education package with large university GF cuts and scholarship increases
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Summary
H.B. 5618 was advanced by the subcommittee; House Fiscal Agency staff described a net $470.6 million general‑fund reduction to university operations, including cuts of $199 million to Michigan State University and $222.3 million to the University of Michigan, alongside increases for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and TIP.
The subcommittee advanced H.B. 5618 after a staff presentation detailing major general‑fund reductions for university operations alongside targeted scholarship increases.
Perry Zylak of the House Fiscal Agency said the house version includes a net $470.6 million general‑fund decrease for university operations compared with the current fiscal year, citing reductions of $199,000,000 for Michigan State University and $222,300,000 for the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He said the house concurs with the executive's increase for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (a $232,000,000 gross increase), allocating $182,000,000 from the postsecondary scholarship fund and $50,000,000 from general fund to reach a total scholarship appropriation of $532,000,000 gross.
The house also proposes a $43.5 million general‑fund increase for the Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) and continues or deletes multiple boilerplate sections affecting program reporting and eligibility. A member asked where savings from the university cuts would be reallocated; Zylak said savings are not necessarily one‑for‑one and pointed to scholarship increases and other general‑fund priorities as likely destinations.
Representative Longjohn raised concern about cutting climate‑resiliency programs in the wake of recent severe weather and asked whether performance metrics motivated the deep cuts to U‑M and MSU. The chair invited further conversation and follow‑up on those policy questions.
On a motion to adopt the H‑1 house substitute for H.B. 5618 the roll call produced five yes votes and two no votes; the committee reported the substitute with recommendation that it pass and adjourned.
