University Presidents Face State Lawmakers

DETROIT - The state's future depends of funding higher education. That's the word from university presidents to lawmakers. However, with the state's budget crisis, just how much funding will there be?

"I'm taking loans already, and I'm going to have... a lot to pay back," said Wayne State University sophomore Justin Mansour.

Like many of his fellow students, Mansour is concerned about the cost of college.

"Universities are the source of innovation (and) creativity. We will attract new businesses. We will start new businesses, and this is the way for the future of Michigan," said University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman.

Monday, lawmakers heard from the presidents of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University, talking about their collaboration in the University Research Corridor and the importance of funding higher education for the future of the state.

"The budget translates to people, and so we need to be sure that we have the resources necessary to recruit the best people from wherever they are around the world to come to Michigan so we can be successful with the corridor," said Michigan State University President Lou Ann Simon.

It's too early to say how much tuition will be affected by state funding or lack thereof. Governor Jennifer Granholm's budget calls for maintaining current funding and restoring the Promise Scholarship.

Michigan graduate Jason Bornhorst, who is already a young entrepreneur with several business ventures, told lawmakers their focus has to be on youth and education to turn the state around.

"It definitely starts with the young people," said Bornhorst.

Wayne State President Dr. Jay Noren offered the following advice to those young people -- the future students.

"Go after all the financial aid you can get. Go to your counselors. Make sure you apply because there is financial aid out there that some students don't know about," said Noren.