According to the state’s House Fiscal Agency, a bureau of state government charged with providing assistance to the Michigan House of Representatives on fiscal policy issues, describes this line item as providing funds for Department of Education programs designed to raise "participation of underrepresented minorities in postsecondary education in Michigan." Additional money for these programs is also included in the general operations appropriations for state universities.
Program: Select student support services
Appropriations: |
All from GF/GP: |
$1,956,100 |
|
Total: |
$1,956,100 |
Program Description:
This line item issues funds to student programs at Michigan public universities and independent colleges to help students identified as disadvantaged or in need of additional academic assistance.
Recommended Action:
This program should be eliminated. Colleges and universities have long maintained mechanisms for assisting academically challenged and disadvantaged students without targeted state programs. Savings: $1,956,100. Governor Granholm’s 2005 proposal leaves this appropriation unchanged over the previous year’s budget.
Program: Michigan college/university partnership
Appropriation: |
All From GF/GP: |
$586,800 |
|
Total: |
$586,800 |
Program Description:
This program is designed to increase the number of minority students making the transition from community colleges to Michigan public universities.
Recommended Action:
This program should be eliminated. There is no reason the state should target one group of students over another for special favors. Savings: $586,800. Governor Granholm’s 2005 proposal leaves this appropriation unchanged over the previous year’s budget.
Program: Morris Hood, Jr. educator development program
Appropriation: |
All from GF/GP: |
$148,600 |
|
Total: |
$148,600 |
Program Description:
This appropriation funds the Morris Hood, Jr. educator development program. This program aims to increase the number of minority students enrolling in and completing K-12 teacher educational programs at the baccalaureate level. The MHED program specifically targets African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos.
Recommended Action:
This program should be eliminated. If a university places a high priority on such a program it could be funded with revenues raised through the private fundraising efforts of the university itself. Savings: $148,600. Governor Granholm’s 2005 proposal leaves this appropriation unchanged over the previous year’s budget.