LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Sunday signed eight bipartisan bills that expand capital outlay project authorizations for Michigan universities and community colleges and help balance the state's Fiscal Year 2027 budget without raising taxes. The measures are designed to modernize university and college classrooms, laboratories, and campus facilities across the state.

The legislation builds on a balanced, bipartisan FY27 budget that Whitmer signed into law this summer. That budget includes $1.3 billion in total capital outlay project authorizations for 27 of the state's higher education institutions, at a state cost of $524.4 million.

Expanding the state's building capacity

Two of the signed bills address how the state finances large campus construction. Senate Bill 729, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), creates exceptions to the limit of outstanding obligations the State Building Authority can carry, allowing for additional capital outlay. The bill provides more opportunities to invest in upgrades to Michigan universities and community colleges.

House Bill 5482, sponsored by Rep. Meerman, would allow the legislature to appropriate State Building Authority rental payments for new capital outlay project construction in line with the completion of projects and the State Building Authority's long-term financing.

"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."

McCann, who serves as chair of the bipartisan Capital Outlay Committee, said the projects create construction jobs, improve college and university facilities, and provide more resources and opportunities for students.

"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," McCann said. "This bill makes sure this good work continues and we are able to keep building up our institutions and our people around the state."

The projects in the pipeline

The FY27 budget's capital outlay authorizations are split between planning and construction phases across 27 institutions.

Planning authorizations include:

  • 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 include:

  • 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

Additional budget-balancing measures

Beyond higher education, Whitmer also signed related legislation to balance the FY27 budget:

  • House Bill 6130, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin, modifies the Michigan Trust Fund Act to close out the Community District Education Trust, which has supported Detroit in paying off operating debt.
  • House Bills 6126 and 6127, sponsored by Rep. Morgan, modify the internet sports betting fund and 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.
  • Senate Bill 527, sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom, amends the Revised Judicature Act to reallocate available court resources to the Court Equity Fund, supporting local trial court operations.
  • House Bill 5109, sponsored by Rep. Outman, amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allocate a portion of funds from the Transportation Administration Collection Fund to the General Fund.
  • Senate Bill 569, sponsored by Sen. Anthony, amends the Public Health Code to transfer funding to the General Fund over the next three fiscal years.

Whitmer has framed the package as part of her record on fiscal management.

"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," Whitmer said. "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."