Over the past 15 years, the percentage of University funds coming from state coffers has fallen significantly. Consequently, the cost of tuition has skyrocketed. For a University education to remain within reach of Michigan's citizens, the state must keep its percentage of funding at a constant or rising level. The proposed 2.5-percent increase does just that - it is based on government inflation projections for the next fiscal year.
The University, as the state's most prestigious and well-funded school, has continually come under attack in Lansing. In the past, amendments to education budgets have attempted to dock the University for offering benefits to same-sex couples and for out-of-state student admissions topping 30 percent.
The proposed budget wisely steers clear of making these judgments. The state-elected University Board of Regents is better equipped than the governor to determine the University's internal policies.
Engler's budget also includes a 2.5-percent increase in funding for community colleges. As indicated by the November millage proposal for Washtenaw Community College, community colleges frequently face financial difficulty and often find themselves severely underfunded. Funding increases must continue, because the flexibility and affordability of community colleges provide many citizens with their only outlet for higher education.
The highlight of Engler's budget is a $541.3-million increase for K-12 education. These funds will allow for smaller class sizes and the creation of more innovative educational programs. Moreover, they will help to provide the resources necessary to increase student exposure to technology.
The only educational downside to Engler's plan is his failure to reassess state adult education funding. Recent cuts have made it nearly impossible for dropouts to return to school and earn a high school diploma. Few schools continue to offer adult education programs; those remaining serve a limited number of students. Furthermore, many immigrants no longer can benefit from the training offered in classes for English as a Second Language.
Similar decreases in welfare benefits accompanied Engler's draconian cuts in adult education. The governor's new budget finally addresses these concerns. There is a proposed 100-percent increase for Project Zero - a program aimed at helping single mothers find jobs - and a $20-million increase in the Work First program, which attempts to remove families from welfare. Although Engler has unacceptably allowed the state's welfare funding to deteriorate, these new measures will be a first step in helping Michigan families.
Engler is finally moving away from political bickering in order to focus on the priorities valued most by his constituents. His new budget provides sorely needed funding increases for education and welfare reform. This type of politics provides a breath of fresh air in the corridors of the Capitol - perhaps the budget marks the end of the governor's abrasive policy on education.