One of the more puzzling vetoes the governor included in her 148 line-item veto list was a $100 placeholder for Brown Hall at Saginaw Valley State University. This $100 was necessary to begin the authorization process for a projected $12 million renovation, and it was the only request for funding by any higher education institution out of all Michigan Universities in its category.
The project was submitted due to a fire in Brown Hall in March, 2019. Funds and authorization are needed (not just wanted) in order to repair the damage. There is certainly a great need for SVSU to receive planning authorization in order to speed up the renovation process.
The renovation project will increase energy efficiency as well as create a learning environment that is consistent with what Regional and Statewide employers are asking for. Fully 28 of Michigan’s 50 most popular professionals have degree programs at SVSU. Most students who take coursework for these programs have classes in Brown Hall.
SVSU continues to be one of the most affordable higher education universities in Michigan. Now is certainly not the time to be punitive to an institution of higher learning that desperately needs renovation to a fire-damaged building.
We will continue to work side-by-side with SVSU as they meet with legislators and the governor’s office to bring some sense to this budget impasse.
We urge a resolution to these line items and restoration of the funding for SVSU’s Brown Hall.
The renovation project will increase energy efficiency as well as create a learning environment that is consistent with what Regional and Statewide employers are asking for. Fully 28 of Michigan’s 50 most popular professionals have degree programs at SVSU. Most students who take coursework for these programs have classes in Brown Hall.
SVSU continues to be one of the most affordable higher education universities in Michigan. Now is certainly not the time to be punitive to an institution of higher learning that desperately needs renovation to a fire-damaged building.
We will continue to work side-by-side with SVSU as they meet with legislators and the governor’s office to bring some sense to this budget impasse.
We urge a resolution to these line items and restoration of the funding for SVSU’s Brown Hall.
 | AuthorVeronica Horn President & CEO |
