Engler's earlier proposal included subsidies for community college and some university employee pension plans, but the Senate Appropriations Committee found his numbers unacceptable, mainly because there was no increase in the base appropriation. Under the committee's plan, the University would receive $324 million, which should be pleasing to University officials. This proposed allocation is $32 million more than Engler's plan and could help keep tuition within reach for students. Additionally, considering the University's state-of-the-art technology and varied programs, the funds needed to run this institution are tremendous. The Senate's proposed appropriation could place some of the burden of the University's finances on the state.
If the state claims to support its higher-education institutions, then larger increases to college and university appropriations should be included in its budget. Judging by its actions, the state Senate seems to believe that post-secondary education affect more people than those actually enrolled in colleges or universities. By increasing the allocations, legislators are placing much-needed emphasis on higher education. A well-educated citizenry leads to a more effective workforce, which then leads to higher salaries and higher tax revenue for the state. Higher education does not only help those attending classes but also helps their families, colleagues and employers. Considering the prestige of the colleges and universities in Michigan, the government should support their survival and growth.
But by no means does this unanimously supported proposal end in the Senate's committee. Once a version of the bill is approved by the Senate, it will then move to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, the House Appropriations Committee and finally, the House floor. This new proposal has a long way to travel before actual implementation, but it is imperative that legislators allow it to proceed, increasing the allocation's size along the way. Institutions like the University need large appropriations not only to keep tuition rates as low as possible but also to maintain its high academic standards - by employing top professors, allocating grants for research and supplying financial aid to attract students. Engler proposed an increase that would barely scratch the surface of what it takes to run the University; it is now up to other elected officials to fully support higher education and follow the steps taken by the state Senate Appropriations Committee.