Whitmer Commits to Higher Education Investments, TICAS Calls on Michigan Legislature to Follow Suit

LANSING, M.I. – On Wednesday, February 11, Governor Whitmer outlined her final budget proposal and doubled down on a number of her hallmark projects, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Michigan Reconnect programs.

Specifically, the budget proposal includes:

• Over $650 million to support the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Tuition Incentive Program;
• $67 million to fund and expand the Michigan Reconnect program to students aged 21 and older;
• $10 million to help students receive support to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• $20 million to help expand access to dual enrollment programs;
• $28 million for workforce development programs, including funding for youth to explore career pathways and participate in programs that lead to a skilled credential; and
• Over $460 million for public transportation development, the Rural Prosperity Fund, and the Transportation Economic Development Fund to help expand critical education and workforce program access throughout the state.

The following is attributed to Jessica Thompson, Interim President and Executive Vice President of The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS):

“TICAS applauds Governor Whitmer’s continued commitment to investing in college affordability and a strong education to workforce pipeline. While the state faces a greater than $1 billion budget deficit because of federal policy changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), it is critical that lawmakers protect the investments in education and career development that Michiganders need to thrive.

“Proposed funding for the Reconnect program, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and the Tuition Incentive Program will help cement the state’s recent legacy of bipartisan investment in educational attainment, workforce development, and affordable postsecondary education. The expansion of Reconnect eligibility to age 21 is especially important to close the existing financial aid age gap, helping to align and simplify state aid programs.

“New and continued investments in college and career readiness and coaching, postsecondary resource navigation, and FAFSA completion are essential efforts to increase educational attainment and drive Michigan closer to its Sixty by 30 goal.

“We look forward to continued partnership with the Governor and Legislature to protect and preserve an accessible and affordable higher education for students across the state. We urge the Legislature to continue this momentum toward aligning and simplifying support for students and boosting the support systems that help Michiganders understand and access the pathways and resources available to them.”