Ferris President Salutes Michigan's Bipartisan Budget that Benefits Students

Ferris State University President David Eisler expressed his appreciation for the bipartisan 2019-20 budget agreement that eliminates the $2.2 billion shortfall in the 2019-2020 budget. The solution used $950 million in federal coronavirus relief funds and monies from the state’s rainy day fund. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state legislature reached this agreement on Monday, June 29.

“I want to thank Governor Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, House Speaker Lee Chatfield and House Minority Leader Christine Greig for their leadership in reaching this budget agreement,” Eisler said. “This support from our legislators and governor is good news for higher education in Michigan.”

The budget agreement results in state universities being held harmless from overall funding reductions for this year’s budget. State funding for Michigan’s 15 public universities will be reduced by $164 million or approximately 11 percent for the current fiscal year. It will be replaced dollar-for-dollar with CARES Act monies that the state currently has in its possession. The CARES Act dollars Michigan has received will be assigned to the universities immediately by the State Budget Office. State financial aid programs are also being held harmless for the current fiscal year.

“This would have been a reduction of $6.2 million on our budget year which just ended on June 30. In these challenging times this makes a tremendous difference for our university, our people and the students we serve,” added Eisler.

The university looks forward to welcoming new and returning students to its campuses this fall. For more information on the University’s re-entry planning visit ferris.edu/coronavirus.