LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today announced that Lake Superior State University (LSSU) received a funding increase of 11.1 percent in the 2008 higher education budget passed by the House Appropriations Committee. The budget also includes an increase of 2.5 percent for the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and protects funding for the MSU Extension.
"Too often, the Upper Peninsula gets overlooked in Lansing when it comes time to set the budget, but I am determined not to let that happen anymore," said McDowell. "This budget will ensure that LSSU, the MSU Extension and the AES will continue to provide a high level of vital services to residents of the Eastern Upper Peninsula."
While LSSU will receive the largest increase, McDowell noted that funding for all of the state's 15 public universities is increased by at least 2.5 percent. The budget also allocates an increase of more than $3.5 million to all 15 universities to make up for unfunded shortfalls created by the federal Indian Tuition Waiver program. LSSU has the highest number of Native American students enrolled in Michigan.
"This increase in funding would provide important assistance in allowing us to continue to offer high-quality educational programs and services in the Eastern Upper Peninsula," LSSU President Betty Youngblood said. "LSSU is known as a university where individual support and personal attention come first, and this funding increase would help maintain the exceptional teaching and learning environment offered here. I appreciate Rep. McDowell's many efforts on behalf of the university and this region."
The Agricultural Experiment Station is comprised of offices that research issues such as food safety, water quality, livestock production and community development. The Dunbar Forest Experiment Station in Sault Ste. Marie is a substation of the AES. The AES will receive over $34 million – a 2.5 percent increase. The MSU Extension emphasizes education in agriculture and natural resources; children, youth and family programs; and community and economic development. The MSU Extension will receive over $29 million – the same as this year.
The higher education budget is expected to be passed by the full House later today.