Michigan GOP contingent seeks continued state funding for higher ed tuition grant

Michigan Republicans U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, Fred Upton, and Paul Mitchell urged their governor to reconsider a decision to slash state funding for the Michigan Tuition Grant program.

“We are disappointed to learn of your decision to veto funding for the Michigan Tuition Grant,” the lawmakers wrote in an Oct. 8 letter sent to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, asking her to reconsider her veto of funding for the grant program that provides many low-income students up to $2,400 per year to attend one of the state’s independent colleges.

“While $2,400 may not seem substantial to some people, in the hands of a struggling student and family, this grant can mean the difference between continuing their education, having to withdraw from school, or having to take out additional loans and saddle themselves with deeper debt,” wrote the congressmen, who also were joined by U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Jack Bergman (R-MI) in signing the letter.

The congressmen stressed the importance of access to post-secondary education, which they said “can transform the lives of individual students and their families.”

“Unfortunately, the cost of attending college has rapidly increased over the years — far outpacing the rate of inflation,” they wrote. “These increased costs have caused particular stress among students from low and middle-income backgrounds.”

The members also told the governor that a college-educated workforce is essential for Michigan’s evolving economy.

“Evidence shows that for every $1 a state invests in higher education, it receives up to $4.50 in return in higher tax revenue,” the lawmakers pointed out, noting that it also decreases state spending on public assistance.

“We sincerely hope that for the good of Michigan students, their families, and our economy, you will seriously reconsider your veto, which undid the critical funding for the Michigan Tuition Grant program,” wrote the congressmen.