LANSING – State Representatives Joan Bauer (D-Lansing), Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) and Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) today joined Michigan college students at a rally at the State Capitol to save the Michigan Promise Scholarship. The scholarship, which has made college affordable and accessible for nearly 100,000 Michigan families, is in danger of being eliminated due to budget cuts proposed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
"At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, we must fulfill our commitment to keeping the doors of education open to middle-class families," said Meadows, whose district includes Michigan State University. "The best way to get our economy going again is by building a top-notch workforce, and that means investing in education."
The Michigan Promise Scholarship awards Michigan students with a total of $4,000 after they complete two years of community college, university or vocational training with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Nearly 100,000 students rely on the Promise Scholarship every year.
"Michigan cannot afford to turn its back on students seeking skills for a 21st century economy by eliminating the Michigan Promise Scholarship," said Bauer, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. "Without a well-trained workforce to attract job-creating businesses looking to relocate to Michigan, we have no chance of turning our economy around. It's imperative that we keep college affordable and accessible for Michigan families."
Today's rally included students from universities around the state, lawmakers and residents who understand how important education is to Michigan's future.
"As a parent, a supporter of education and a proud Spartan, I am honored to stand with these young men and women who are fighting for a better Michigan," said Byrum, who earned both her bachelor's and law degree at Michigan State. "The Promise Scholarship has helped thousands of students who have worked hard to achieve the dream of a college education. We cannot turn our backs on them."