Holland Reporter

Matt Hall, State Representative of Michigan, announced a new education budget proposal aimed at providing significant tuition assistance to Michigan students. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"As Speaker, I'm fundamentally redefining opportunity for Michigan high school graduates continuing their studies at a Michigan institution," said Hall, State Representative from Michigan. "Our House Education Budget proposal will provide $5,500 per year toward tuition at Michigan's universities and $2,750 per year for full-time students at Michigan community colleges. Whether pursuing a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or career training, we're keeping Michigan talent here at home and investing boldly in our state's future. Real leadership, real opportunity, real investment for a stronger Michigan."

According to House GOP press releases, Michigan House Republicans have proposed a $22 billion education budget. This plan would allocate $5,500 annually to all high school graduates for in-state college or career training. Additionally, it includes a record $12,000 per-pupil K–12 funding. The proposal is part of ongoing discussions about college affordability and efforts to promote both college and skilled trades pathways. It follows Governor Whitmer’s earlier proposal for free community college and reflects a bipartisan effort to enhance postsecondary outcomes and access for Michigan students.

Bridge Michigan reports that only 53.4% of Michigan’s high school class of 2024 enrolled in college—down from 62.2% in 2019—despite the state investing over $100 million in college scholarships. This decline affects both four-year and community colleges, with current data indicating that Michigan’s postsecondary enrollment rates are at their lowest in a decade. The drop has led to renewed legislative interest in scholarship and training programs.

The Michigan Association of State Universities states that state funding for higher education tuition assistance increased by an average of 4% this budget cycle. However, Michigan's ranking for per-student funding fell to 42nd nationally in 2023. Over the past five years, lawmakers have redirected funding from university base appropriations to targeted scholarships and block grants, signaling a strategic shift in support. This trend highlights ongoing challenges in increasing overall state investment in public higher education.

Hall serves as the current Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and has represented the 42nd District since 2019. Previously serving as House Minority Leader, Hall's official legislative biography notes his educational background with a BA in Business Management and Public Administration and a JD from Western Michigan University. He has chaired the House Oversight and Tax Policy committees and focused on dual enrollment, school accountability, and college affordability throughout his legislative career.