Democratic lawmaker highlights major cuts to universities
LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2025 — House Democrats introduced their vision for the School Aid budget this week during a publicly accessible press conference, in an effort to jumpstart negotiations ahead of the July 1 statutory deadline for the budget’s completion. Under pressure from House Dems, House Republicans finally took a second try at their own school budget, only to continue proposing cuts to programs and services students and schools rely on. House Republicans also put forth massive cuts to Michigan’s public universities, originally proposing to slash over $800 million in state funding. Unable to secure the votes, House Republicans passed an updated budget that still makes massive cuts for the University of Michigan.
After voting against the Republican bills that defund critical categorical school investments and significantly cut state funding for universities, state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement:
“Republicans tried to ram through a rushed budget that proposes severe cuts to universities across the state. Their original proposal would have gutted 92% of U of M’s state funding and 72% of MSU’s — a move so extreme they couldn’t get the votes to pass it. Michigan’s universities are engines of economic growth, driving innovation, research and job creation. I’m proud House Democrats put pressure on GOP leadership, standing united and pushing back. As the budget process continues, I’m hopeful our colleagues across the aisle join us in good-faith negotiations to secure a budget that invests in students and the future of higher education in Michigan.”
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