Lawmakers to Hear University Testimonies on Budget Cuts

LANSING (WWJ) - Michigan lawmakers are digging deeper into the details of Governor Rick Snyder's budget proposal. On Wednesday, lawmakers will hear testimonies from university officials -- including University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman -- about how the proposed cuts and changes would affect higher education.

According to the proposed budget plan, schools could lose at least 15 percent of their state aid going into next fiscal year.

"The universities are saying the 15 percent hit that they're taking is just devastating on the universities," says WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. "Now, the proponents of this budget say...universities can raise tuition."

Skubick reports that the Governor has offered to return some funding to the universities if they raise tuition rates, so long as the increase less than seven percent.

"I'm not sure that's going to appease Mrs. Coleman and friends," admits Skubick.

State Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood explained his concern with the budget plan when it means schools could be facing a possible cut of $700 per pupil. "This budget may move us in the wrong direction," he says.

However, Synder remains that the $700 cut per pupil may not be an accurate figure.

Other groups concerned about proposed cuts to tax revenue sharing payments also are expected to testify before legislative committees. Snyder and lawmakers are trying to eliminate a projected budget shortfall of roughly $1.4 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest with this developing story.

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