By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-890276.mp3
Lansing, MI – The state Senate panels that deal with budgets for Michigan's universities and community colleges have approved a three percent cut in state funding.
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The cuts made to community colleges and universities are the biggest cuts the senate subcommittees could make without jeopardizing money from the federal government.
State Senator Jim Barcia was the only Democrat to vote in favor of the higher education budget.
"This is, given circumstances, I think the best budget that we can put forth," Barcia says.
The Senate panel did not restore funding for the Michigan Promise college scholarship, which Governor Granholm wants to resurrect. Granholm proposed replacing the scholarship with a tax credit for students who graduate from Michigan universities and stay to work in the state.
The Senate panel did restore funding for need-based financial aid for students at private universities.