MACOMB–State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) announced today that she will be co-sponsoring legislation aimed at creating a path towards funding Higher Education in light of the budget statement in Springfield.
The proposal Hammond is supporting would fund Higher Education, albeit with reasonable cost savings to taxpayers, and is contingent on providing the Governor the tools to secure revenues and support existing spending. The Higher Education Appropriations bill supported by Hammond is based on an 80% of FY15 funding level for University operations funding, 90% Community Colleges funding, and FY15 level Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) funding. The total spending package constitutes approximately $1.68 billion, funds that would come from general revenue funds. The Hammond-backed spending plan is drafted to be contingent on the passage of the Unbalanced Budget Response Act (House Bill 4521) – legislation that would afford the Governor similar latitude to that he was seeking in the FY15 budget fix, allowing a wide ability to manage funds to adequately fund programs including higher education.
Hammond described the proposal as one that, “recognizes the dire fiscal condition of our state, while also addressing the urgent funding needs of higher education institutions, faculty, students, and their communities.” Hammond encouraged residents of the 93rd district to contact her with questions or concerns on this or any other state issue.
Hammond’s Macomb district office can be contacted at (309) 836-2707 and she can be reached via e-mail at rephammond@macomb.com. Constituents can also visit her legislative website at www.norinehammond.org to sign up for her electronic newsletter.
Hammond represents all or part of Brown, Cass, Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren counties.
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