LANSING – State Representatives Mike Lahti (D-Hancock), Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) and Steven Lindberg (D-Marquette) today applauded comments from the presidents of three Upper Peninsula universities, who called for the protection of higher education funding for U.P. universities in order to make Northern Michigan a leader in the 21st century global economy.
The presidents gave their comments before the Appropriations subcommittee in charge of funding higher education.
"The U.P. is home to some of the finest universities in the state, and we need to protect them," Lahti said. "In order to become a magnet for good-paying, 21st century jobs, we must have a highly trained, highly educated workforce. We need to give our students every opportunity to succeed in a global economy."
The three universities – Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie – have a combined student enrollment of over 19,000 and are among the largest employers in the U.P.
"Our universities are immensely important to the Upper Peninsula," McDowell said. "They educate our leaders of tomorrow, drive our local economies and offer a myriad of cultural opportunities. They deserve our fullest support."
"Michigan is facing tough economic times, but we can get our state back on track by strengthening and investing in our universities," Lindberg said. "These schools are tremendous assets to our communities. Maintaining their success must be among our top priorities."
Testifying at the hearing were NMU President Les Wong, MTU President Glenn Mroz and LSSU President Betty Youngblood.
"Michigan must invest in higher education because doing so means investing in this state's people, and investing in our people is what will turn Michigan's economy around," Wong said.
Lahti, McDowell and Lindberg are strong supporters of improving educational opportunities for all Michigan citizens, and have backed programs such as the Michigan Promise Grant, which awards $4,000 to students who have completed at least two years of community college, university or vocational training.