Current Issues

MSU Funding

July 2024 - Governor Whitmer signs FY 2025 Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget as passed by the Michigan Legislature. In this budget, MSU received a 1.5% ongoing increase plus a 1% one-time funding increase for General Operations, MSU Extension, and AgBioResearch. While this 2.5% increase is a positive step, it does not keep pace with the current rate of inflation.

MSU Line Items	Conference Committee	Funding Amounts
General Operations	1.5% on-going and 1% one-time increase	$326,827,700
MSU Extension & AgBioResearch	1.5% on-going and 1% one-time increase	$73,536,900
Tuition Restraint	4.5% cap	TOTAL: $400,364,600

Additionally, $30 million in additional funds were appropriated to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, bringing the total to $330 million, which will greatly benefit MSU students.

Here are a few, but not all, items that go to MSU or are shared with MSU and impact both the MSU and Michigan communities statewide:

Line Item	Conference Committee
Rx Kids	$20 million
Mi-DOCS (shared programming)	$9.2 million ($4.6M one-time increase)
GSRP (State PreK Ongoing Evaluation)	Funding restored to $600k
Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC)	$500k one-time
Climate Resiliency (SEEDS)	$6.1 million ($1M ongoing + $5.1M one-time)
Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program	$250k one-year
Alliance for Animal Agriculture (MI-AAA)	$3 million ongoing
Michigan Traditional Arts Program	$250k

We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our Spartan Advocates, for your ongoing engagement and support in our advocacy efforts. Your involvement is crucial, and we may reach out for your support regarding the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center this summer or fall. Together, we can continue to advance MSU's mission and impact.

June 2024 - Welcome President Guskiewicz and Budget Advocacy Efforts

ACTION: Please take 2-3 minutes to email your legislators and legislative leadership to support investments in the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center. This critical initiative will enhance MSU’s capacity to foster innovation, interdisciplinary research, and economic growth in Michigan.

As we move into June, budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year are taking shape, and with updates reflecting an optimistic outlook for Michigan's economy. Here is where budget recommendations stand:

	Executive	Senate	House
Operations	2.5% increase	2.5% + opportunity to receive additional 2.5% in one-time	3.3% increase
MSU AgBioResearch and Extension	2.5% increase	2.5% increase	3.3% increase
Tuition Restraint	5% cap	4.5% cap	4.5% cap
MSU Funding Total	$400,364,600	$400,364,600 / $408,283,400 including one-time funds	$403,458,400

Revenue Estimating Conference

At the May Revenue Estimating Conference, state officials provided an optimistic forecast with slight upward revisions in state revenue for the current and next fiscal years. The Michigan economy is showing signs of stability and growth, which is encouraging for future investments.

MSU at the Mackinac Policy Conference

Michigan State University showcased its leadership and commitment to advancing the state’s economic and educational landscape at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. This event was a significant platform to introduce President and Mrs. Guskiewicz to key members from the policy, political, and business sectors across Michigan.

Key Highlights

President Guskiewicz joined a panel on the main stage with leaders from the University of Michigan, Oakland University, and Ferris State University. They discussed the pivotal role that universities play in driving Michigan's progress and economic development.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity for MSU to reinforce its position as a leader in higher education and innovation. This presence underscored our commitment to fostering partnerships that propel Michigan forward.

Advocacy Efforts
Our ongoing efforts to advocate for higher education funding continue to be crucial. Here is a snapshot of our advocacy work:

The month of June will be critical for state budget finalization, making Spartan Advocate engagement more important than ever. Continued opportunities to reach your legislators will likely arise this month, including our current request to message them about supporting investments in the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center. Your advocacy can make a significant impact. Your continued support and engagement are vital as we work together to secure a brighter future for our students and community.

As we navigate through these budget discussions and continue our advocacy, we remain optimistic about the future. The revised revenue estimates and our strong presence at key policy conferences position MSU well to continue leading in education and innovation.

March 2024 - Welcome President Guskiewicz and Budget Advocacy Efforts

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Dr. Kevin M. Guskiewicz as the 22nd president of Michigan State University. His recent communications, including a detailed community letter and a comprehensive outline of priorities in his letter to the MSU Board of Trustees, have highlighted his dedication to academic excellence and financial responsibility.

President Guskiewicz's second priority in his 100-day plan directly addresses MSU's budget and the crucial importance of state appropriations. This aligns perfectly with the advocacy efforts required for our university's continued growth and excellence. It is vital we maintain momentum in these areas, especially considering the Governor's budget proposal, which affects MSU in several ways:

2.5% increase for MSU's General Operations
2.5% increases for both AgBioResearch and MSU Extension
A cap on tuition increases of 5%
Continued funding support for Mi-Alliance for Animal Agriculture of $3 million
Continued funding support for MiDOCS of $6.4 million

In additional to our annual appropriations, we are focusing efforts on securing necessary funding for the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, a project pivotal to MSU's future success in education and research. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about this initiative and support our cause by signing the support letter.

The Engineering and Digital Innovation Center at MSU is set to transform education and industry through the convergence of digital and physical technologies. It will not only propel research in key areas like materials science and quantum computing but will also fuel economic growth by aligning with industries crucial to the state's future, such as advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle production. This state-of-the-art hub promises to foster innovation, prepare a skilled workforce, and amplify Michigan's position in the global digital economy.

As we approach the special general election in Michigan next month, which will fill two vacant House of Representative seats, it is imperative that we also prepare for the forthcoming budget process. Understanding the full scope of the Governor's budget proposal and its impact on MSU is helpful.

Your voice is powerful. By advocating for MSU, you help secure the necessary resources to ensure our university remains a global leader in higher education. Thank you for your unwavering support and Go Green.

Advocate Updates

July 2024 - Governor Whitmer signs FY 2025 Budget

MSU Line Items	Conference Committee	Funding Amounts
General Operations	1.5% on-going and 1% one-time increase	$326,827,700
MSU Extension & AgBioResearch	1.5% on-going and 1% one-time increase	$73,536,900
Tuition Restraint	4.5% cap	TOTAL: $400,364,600

Line Item	Conference Committee
Rx Kids	$20 million
Mi-DOCS (shared programming)	$9.2 million ($4.6M one-time increase)
GSRP (State PreK Ongoing Evaluation)	Funding restored to $600k
Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC)	$500k one-time
Climate Resiliency (SEEDS)	$6.1 million ($1M ongoing + $5.1M one-time)
Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program	$250k one-year
Alliance for Animal Agriculture (MI-AAA)	$3 million ongoing
Michigan Traditional Arts Program	$250k

	Executive	Senate	House
Operations	2.5% increase	2.5% + opportunity to receive additional 2.5% in one-time	3.3% increase
MSU AgBioResearch and Extension	2.5% increase	2.5% increase	3.3% increase
Tuition Restraint	5% cap	4.5% cap	4.5% cap
MSU Funding Total	$400,364,600	$400,364,600 / $408,283,400 including one-time funds	$403,458,400

Revenue Estimating Conference

MSU at the Mackinac Policy Conference

Key Highlights

March 2024 - Welcome President Guskiewicz and Budget Advocacy Efforts

2.5% increase for MSU's General Operations
2.5% increases for both AgBioResearch and MSU Extension
A cap on tuition increases of 5%
Continued funding support for Mi-Alliance for Animal Agriculture of $3 million
Continued funding support for MiDOCS of $6.4 million

February 2024 - Governor's Budget Proposal

As we delve into Governor Whitmer's budget plan for fiscal year 2025, we're pleased to share updates directly impacting Michigan State University and the broader educational landscape in Michigan:

2.5% increase for MSU's General Operations
2.5% increases for both AgBioResearch and MSU Extension
A cap on tuition increases of 5%
Continued funding support for Mi-Alliance for Animal Agriculture of $3 million
Continued funding support for MiDOCS of $6.4 million

Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDIC):
The Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, a cornerstone in our efforts to drive innovation and increase the Michigan talent pipeline, will remain MSU's priority budget request. We look forward to working with our partners in the Executive and Legislative branches to advance this critical initiative.

Michigan Achievement Scholarships:
A significant boost in educational support, the proposed budget earmarks $330 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarships, illustrating a strong investment in Michigan’s students and their future. This reflects an increase of $30 million in funding to be shared with participating institutions of Higher Education, including MSU.

It is important to recall that these are only recommendations. The Legislature will begin their review and analysis of these recommendations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and engagement. As the State House and Senate begin crafting their proposals, rest assured we will keep you informed on developments. Your advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in Michigan.

Thank you for your dedication as a Spartan Advocate. Your voice makes a difference, and together, we look forward to another productive year in the Legislature.

November 2023 - Fall Update

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of Michigan's legislative activities, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged. The Michigan Legislature has adjourned for the remainder of 2023 via sine die. The term "sine die", or “without a day” in Latin, refers to the legislature concluding its formal sessions without scheduling a specific date to reconvene. Essentially, this means lawmakers in both chambers have wrapped up their work for the year and will announce their plans for 2024 at a later date.

The early conclusion of session is in part due to shifts in the House of Representatives as two Democratic lawmakers have won local elections and will now serve as mayors. Consequently, they will leave the Michigan House of Representatives. This change leads to an evenly split House Chamber, with 54 seats for both Democrats and Republicans. Representative Joe Tate (Spartan) will continue to serve as the Speaker of the House during the 54-54 split in membership.

Therefore, as we look ahead to 2024, the role of Spartan Advocates becomes increasingly vital. With the House Chamber evenly split and a new legislative session on the horizon, your voice and support for higher education are more important than ever. Michigan State University (MSU) continues to thrive and expand its impact thanks to the support it receives. However, to maintain this momentum, ongoing budget support is crucial.

Becoming a Spartan Advocate is not just about supporting MSU; it’s about championing the broader cause of higher education and its pivotal role in driving innovation, economic growth, and community development in Michigan. Your involvement can make a real difference in how education policies and funding decisions are shaped.

We continue to invite you to deepen your engagement and encourage fellow Spartans to join the Spartan Advocate program. Together, we can ensure that the voices of MSU and its community are heard loud and clear in the halls of the legislature. Your advocacy will help secure the necessary resources and support that enables MSU to continue its legacy of excellence and service to the community.

Thank you for your commitment to MSU and higher education. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a significant impact. Additionally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our legislative partners for their support throughout 2023. Together, we have strengthened MSU's commitment to education and innovation, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the future.