Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announces she will appoint a Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth led by Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. She charges the commission with finding ways to double the number of college graduates in Michigan within10 years.

“Our higher education system is the jet fuel that propels our economy,” Granholm said. “If we want a high-performance economy, we must work now to improve the strength, depth, and adaptability of our colleges and universities. The mission of this commission could not be more critical to our state.”

• Granholm, Cherry Announce Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth

After studying the link between post secondary education and economic growth in Michigan, the Cherry Commission, as it has become known, issues a "road map" for fundamental change and a stronger economic future for Michigan.

“The Commission recommends that Michigan, over the next decade, forge a new compact with its residents: an expectation that all students will achieve a postsecondary degree or credential coupled with a guarantee from the state of financial support linked to the achievement of that goal.”

• Lt. Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth
• Cherry Commission Recommendations & Implementation
• Granholm Calls Higher Education Report a Road Map for Fundamental Change, Stronger Economic Future

Governor Granholm calls for a $4,000 new Merit Award scholarship in her State of the State address.

“Tonight, I am announcing a new MERIT scholarship that will ensure that every child in Michigan will have the opportunity to attend at least two years of study beyond high school.

“We are – in essence – extending the promise of public education in Michigan. Today, parents know that education is available to all from kindergarten through 12th grade. With this new MERIT scholarship, we are extending that promise into the college years.

“Beginning with the class of 2007 – today’s high school sophomores – Michigan will ensure $4,000 for every student who completes two years of college – whether they earn an associate degree from a community college, achieve junior status at a four-year institution, or complete a technical program off-campus.

“The new MERIT scholarship may represent our first step toward college education for all in Michigan, but it will certainly not be our last.

“In future years, I expect to raise the bar higher for students and provide greater financial support to those who clear it. But, one thing is clear today, the days when we define merit as success in high school are over. Michigan will now define merit the way the economy does – by rewarding those who earn college degrees.”

• Michigan: Jobs Today - Jobs Tomorrow
  - State of the State Address 2005

After months of bi-partisan negotiation, the Granholm Administration and Senate leaders reach a compromise on a new Merit Award proposal. In the remaining weeks of the legislative session, no action is taken on the compromise.

• Comparison of Current Law to Proposed New Merit Scholarship Compromise

Governor Granholm renews her call for the new Merit Award saying it is critical to Michigan’s economic future.

“First, we must make sure that every parent who’s watching tonight can afford to send their children to college. To achieve our goal of a workforce that’s second to none, we must be first when it comes to giving citizens access to higher education.

“Last year, I proposed allowing every child in Michigan who continues their education beyond high school to earn a $4,000 new Merit Award Scholarship – not just those who pass a standardized test in high school.

“Just weeks ago, we all watched as the Kalamazoo Promise changed the dynamic of public education in that community. Through the tremendous generosity of private donors, all children who attend Kalamazoo Public Schools will grow up knowing that their college tuition is paid for.

“As we celebrate the Kalamazoo Promise, let’s change that dynamic in every community in Michigan. Our new Merit Award Scholarship will create a Michigan Promise right now.

“A promise that every child in Michigan will – for the first time in this state’s history – have the financial means to go to college.

“And, therefore, a promise to anyone who wants to build a business and grow jobs that Michigan will have the nation’s most highly educated workforce.

“It has been a year since I put the new Merit Award Scholarship before this group, and it is even more critical to Michigan’s future today than it was then.”

• Working Our Plan, Securing Our Future
  - State of the State Address 2006

Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema suggests linking the Governor’s new Merit Award proposal to legislation that would make changes in the Michigan statute governing the minimum wage to ensure prompt passage of both.

“We need to move swiftly and get Michigan back on track. With this spirit in mind, Senate Republicans are moving today to discharge two important measures. One is Senate Bill 453, which offers an earned income tax credit and a helping hand for thousands of deserving, low-income families. The second is Senate Bill 1335, which would provide merit scholarships and help Michigan's students go to college and prepare for jobs of tomorrow. While each of these measures would have an impact on our state budget, I am willing to put them forward because both have enormous potential. Let's be bold and move our state forward. I strongly encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to consider these worthwhile proposals."

• http://www.senate.michigan.gov/gop/senator/sikkema/news/august2006/80906.pdf
• GOP leader floats increasing Merit Award to fix minimum wage flaw