WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR H

Higher education: other; use of school aid funds for the operations of public universities; prohibit. Amends sec. 4, art. VIII & sec. 11, art. IX of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Kelly

Constitutional amendment prohibiting Michigan public universities from using K-12 school aid funds for operations, creating a legal firewall between education funding streams.

joint resolution electronically reproduced 03/20/2025
#constitutionalamendments:state #highereducation:other #schoolaid:other
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR H

Legislative bill overview

This joint resolution proposes constitutional amendments to restrict how K-12 school aid funds can be used by public universities in Michigan. The bill modifies Article VIII, Section 4 and Article IX, Section 11 of the Michigan Constitution to create a firewall preventing education funds designated for schools from being redirected to university operations.

Why is this important

Michigan's education funding system allocates revenues through constitutional formulas that benefit both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. This proposal would constitutionally lock in those distinctions, potentially affecting how universities access state education dollars and forcing legislators to address any current resource-sharing arrangements through separate funding mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: The bill doesn't specify which current university operations or programs rely on K-12 aid funds, making it unclear how much restructuring would be required or what costs would shift to taxpayers
  • University funding adequacy: Public universities may argue the restriction limits their operational flexibility and could force tuition increases or program cuts if they lose access to education revenue streams
  • Constitutional amendment threshold: Joint resolutions require legislative supermajority and voter approval, raising questions about whether this represents a legislative priority or reflects broader public concern

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.