FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2005

CONTACT: Senator Mike Prusi 517-373-7840 866-305-2038

POLITICAL GAMES PLAYED WITH NMU FUNDING
Prusi: “These cuts are dangerous to state’s economy”

Lansing — Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) expressed his concern regarding a proposed $4.4 million cut in state aid to Northern Michigan University. Over the past decade, Northern has seen state funding growth significantly lower than the state average for universities. The action taken today by Senate Republicans places many educational programs, important to the local community, in jeopardy.

“It is irresponsible to propose such deeps cuts to one or two universities and use that money for dramatic increases to other universities,” said Sen. Prusi. “Treating all state universities fairly will benefit our state’s economy and make us more attractive to potential employers.”

Northern Michigan University is one of the state’s top nursing schools. In addition, the university provides Upper Peninsula residents an opportunity to achieve an affordable, quality education from a nationally regarded institution of higher education. Northern also serves as a regional base for training the area’s labor market, providing an attractive incentive to potential employers.

“I want to assure residents that this is only one of the first steps in a long budget process,” said Sen. Prusi. “This is not a done deal and I will continue my fight to ensure U.P. students have access to quality higher education.”

Please note, an audio clip of Senator Prusi commenting on the proposed cuts can be found at: http://www.senate.mi.gov/Audio%20Clips/38-060205-1.wav

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Mike Prusi serves as Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He represents the 38th Senate District, which includes 13 of the 15 Upper Peninsula counties.