Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Invest in Universities and Community Colleges, Build on Improvements in Higher Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Invest in Universities and Community Colleges, Build on Improvements in Higher Education

Additional legislation helps to balance the FY27 budget without raising taxes

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed eight bipartisan bills to invest in Michigan universities and balance the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget without raising taxes for Michiganders. These bills support capital outlay project authorizations across the state, helping to modernize university and college classrooms, labs, and campus facilities. Governor Whitmer is committed to improving opportunities in higher education, sustaining Michigan colleges and universities for the future, and prioritizing fiscally responsible state leadership.

"I'm proud to have delivered eight balanced, bipartisan budgets that invest in our schools, grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and lower costs across the state," said Governor Whitmer. "These bills will build on our work to improve higher education and balance our state budget. I'm proud of our strong fiscal record. Let's keep working together to maintain that record and set every Michigander up for a bright future."

"Michigan students deserve to learn in buildings that match their ambition," State Budget Director Jen Flood said. "This budget funds new labs, renovated classrooms, and modern facilities so students and faculty across the state have what they need to succeed. When we build for higher education, we're building the future workforce and ideas that will carry Michigan forward."

Senate Bill 729, sponsored by state Senator McCann, provides exceptions to the limit of outstanding obligations the State Building Authority can have, allowing for additional capital outlay. This bill will provide more opportunities to invest in upgrades to Michigan universities and community colleges, building on the administration's work to improve higher education across the state.

"As Chair of the bipartisan Capital Outlay Committee, I know these projects have far-reaching benefits on our state - creating immediate construction jobs, improving the facilities at our colleges and universities, and providing more resources and opportunities for our students," said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), sponsor of Senate Bill 729. "This bill makes sure this good work continues and we are able to keep building up our institutions and our people around the state."

House Bill 5482, sponsored by state Representative Meerman, allows the legislature to appropriate State Building Authority rental payments for new capital outlay project constructions in alignment with the completion of projects and State Building Authority long-term financing.

The balanced, bipartisan fiscal year 2027 budget, signed into law this summer by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, includes $1.3 billion in total capital outlay project authorizations for 27 of the state's higher education institutions, with a state cost of $524.4 million.

Planning Authorizations

• Central Michigan University - Brooks Hall

• Ferris State University - Allied Health Sciences Building

• Lake Superior State University - Center for Applied Science and Engineering Technology

• Michigan Technological University - Center for Convergence and Innovation

• University of Michigan-Dearborn - Computer and Information Science Building

• Western Michigan University - Knauss Hall

• Delta College - Student Resource Center/Library

• Jackson College - James McDivitt Hall

• Kellogg Community College - Roll Health Administration Building

• Lansing Community College - Energy and Utility Training Center

• Montcalm Community College - Student Success Center

• North Central Michigan College - Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center

• Oakland Community College - Skilled Trades and Industrial Technology Building

• Washtenaw Community College - Center for Success and Innovation

• West Shore Community College - Administration and Conference Center

Construction Authorizations

• Eastern Michigan University - Engineering and Technology Complex - Roosevelt Hall

• Grand Valley State University - Blue Dot Lab

• Michigan State University - Engineering and Digital Innovation Building

• Northern Michigan University - Northern Enterprise Center

• Oakland University - Science Complex Renovation - Dodge Hall

• University of Michigan - Flint - Innovation and Technology Complex

• Wayne State University - Law Classroom Building

• Bay de Noc Community College - Manufacturing Innovation and Training Center

• Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Automotive Technology/Advanced Manufacturing Wing

• Macomb Community College - Mobility and Sustainability Education Center

• Monroe County Community College - Welch Health Education Building

• Wayne County Community College - Center for Virtual Learning and Digital Careers

Governor Whitmer Signs Additional Legislation to Balance the Budget

House Bill 6130, sponsored by state Representative Bollin, modifies the Michigan Trust Fund Act to take the necessary steps to close out the Community District Education Trust, which has supported Detroit in paying off operating debt.

House Bill 6126 and House Bill 6127, sponsored by state Representative Morgan, modifies the internet sports betting fund and in the internet gaming fund to increase revenue to the Christopher R. Slezak First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund and to federally recognized tribal governments in Michigan. This change will help more first responders access benefits and expand resources for people who use tribal government services.

Senate Bill 527, sponsored by state Senator McBroom, amends the Revised Judicature Act to reallocate available court resources to the Court Equity Fund, supporting essential local trial court operations.

House Bill 5109, sponsored by state Representative Outman, amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allocate a portion of funds from the Transportation Administration Collection Fund to the State's General Fund, helping to balance the budget by ensuring that every dollar collected goes toward keeping Michigan's fiscal record strong.