Capitol News

Michigan State University is set to receive $32.225 million in state funding for eight projects and programs that align with the university's 2030 Strategic Plan and land-grant mission. This follows Governor Gretchen Whitmer's signing of the state's fiscal 2024-25 budget.

“These programs are shining examples of what make Michigan State University such a great institution,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “To have the backing and support of our state legislature and Gov. Whitmer for these programs demonstrates their commitment to our mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives here on campus and across the state.”

The largest allocation, $20 million, will support the expansion of Rx Kids, a universal maternal and infant cash prescription program initiated in Flint in 2024. The additional funding aims to extend this program to several other Michigan communities. Led by MSU-Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative at the College of Human Medicine, Rx Kids has provided over $2.2 million in cash prescriptions to more than 850 families in Flint.

“We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer and the state legislature for their steadfast leadership and unequivocal support of our Michigan babies and their promise,” said Mona Hanna, pediatrician, director of Rx Kids, and associate dean of public health at MSU College of Human Medicine.

Additionally, $1.15 million will be allocated to the College of Human Medicine as part of MIDOCs appropriation aimed at increasing access to healthcare providers in underserved communities by training more residents annually.

The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program will receive $1 million ongoing funding along with a one-time investment of $5.1 million for competitive grants supporting research in climate and water science through MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension.

Animal agriculture initiatives will benefit from a $3 million allocation directed towards collaborative efforts among various departments within MSU focused on advancing Michigan's animal agriculture economy.

A sum of $600,000 is designated for evaluating Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), which supports preschool education for children at risk for educational failure.

The Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program will receive $500,000 to continue its work in Genesee County while expanding redemption sites to Meijer grocery stores under the guidance of Amy Saxe-Custack from MSU-Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative.

EPIC (Education Policy Innovation Collaborative) is set to receive $500,000 for its role within the Michigan Education Research Institute focusing on critical educational research.

Lastly, funds are allocated towards promoting traditional arts ($250,000) through the Michigan Traditional Arts Program based at MSU’s Residential College in Arts and Humanities as well as addressing food insecurity among students ($125,000) through various initiatives including establishing a Hunger Free Task Force at MSU.