Michigan set to lose $4.2M in federal higher education funding
The federal government is withholding $4.2 million in higher education funding from Michigan because the state violated grant guidelines that discourage states from cutting back support to public institutions, according to a recent WZZM report.
US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan talks before President Obama's at U-M in January.
The report on the Grand Rapids television station states that unless Michigan restores $58 million of the funds it cut in 2010, the state will lose $4.2 million in College Access Challenge Grant funds. Michigan has received funding from the grant since it was created in 2008, according to U.S. Department of Education records.
The state's budget office told WZZM absorbing the $4.2 million loss is more feasible than restoring $58 million in cut funding.
"Given the many other priorities in our budget, and given the commitment to structural balance, committing an additional $58 million was not a decision that made sense for Michigan," said Kurt Weiss, spokesman for the state budget office.
Read the full article here.
Comments
E. Manuel Goldstein
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Yes, the funds were cut in 2010, according to the article, so I guess we should all thank the republican dominated legislature for this outcome.
ViSHa
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
I thought it said the funds were cut in 2010? Wasn't Snyder sworn in January 1, 2011? Am I reading this wrong or is there a misprint?
Mike K
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
More big government telling states what they can and can't do. Sad the power the Federal Government has, and how many actually think it's good.
Sparty
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
The Federal Government isn't telling the State what they can and can't do. It's saying that if you want to qualify for this incentive program, here are the criteria. Michigan didn't meet them. What part are you missing ?
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 9:53 a.m.
Just wondering: how much of that $58 million educational cut was caused by tax breaks given to companies due to their oh-so effective lobbying efforts with Snyder? And - how does taking $58 million from educational funding ADVANCE educating Michigan's future work force? Seems more and more like companies in this state and this nation are ever-less interested in contributing anything and more and more interested in their own expectations (having a great employee population) and padding their pockets at tax payer expense. The Republican Principle: boils down to eroding public services of all kinds - and increasing their 400-1 wealth advantage.
Sparty
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.
Another item to note on the list of reasons supporting his recall, beginning in May ! Support the recall election to begin restoring Michigan from the backwards State we have become.
drew_blows
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
I think Tricky Ricky and his Little City Stooge Dandy Randy Richardvillain were too busy getting that GSRA Anti Union legislation signed into law in record time to sweat the small stuff .
actionjackson
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
Thanks Rick, Nicely done. When education doesn't count I guess your constituents don't either.
GoBlue1984
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Gee thanks Snyder... why don't you just gut education completely?! Them publik skoll kids aint lerning good aneyway!
zigziggityzoo
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
I thought we had a $1 billion surplus?
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 10:01 a.m.
You fool~ Don't you know that $1 billion barely makes a few million each for Michigan's "Republican Leadership" to pass around? Where's your sense of justice and priorities ?! What if they decide to LEAVE and go to Mississippi, where educational spending is the lowest in the country? Michigan would LOSE The Race to the Bottom, don't you see?!
alan
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
"Given the many other priorities in our budget...." Says a lot.
David Briegel
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Slick Rick, gettin' it done for the kids. The education roller coaster. Business forecasting and budgeting is up and down. Like Rick's poll numbers!
Harry
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Restore $58 million in cuts so you can get 4.2 million? This is not a incentive.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Restore 58 million so we can have an educated workforce. I know, that defeats Snyders plan to import our workforce from overseas.
actionjackson
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
Rick vs. Higher Education.