September 2, 2009, Introduced by Rep. Durhal and referred to the Committee on Education.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, by adding section 2a to article VIII and
section 11a to article IX, to provide free postsecondary tuition
and vocational training to graduates of state high schools,
establish the postsecondary tuition and vocational training fund,
and provide sources of revenue for the fund.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, to provide free postsecondary tuition and
vocational training to graduates of state high schools, establish
the postsecondary tuition and vocational training fund, and provide
sources of revenue for the fund, is proposed, agreed to, and
submitted to the people of the state:
ARTICLE VIII
Sec. 2a. The legislature shall maintain and support a system
of free postsecondary undergraduate tuition and vocational training
at state institutions of higher education and state community
colleges for graduates of state high schools, as provided by law.
This state shall provide these benefits without discrimination as
to religion, creed, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or
national origin. One year of volunteer or community service shall
be required as a condition of receiving benefits described in this
section, as provided by law.
ARTICLE IX
Sec. 11a. There shall be established a postsecondary education
and vocational training fund which shall be used exclusively for
reimbursing graduates of state high schools for the costs of
undergraduate tuition and vocational training at state institutions
of higher education and state community colleges, as provided by
law. Money from the proceeds of two new special annual lottery
drawings and money credited from individuals' state income tax
refunds, as provided by law, shall be dedicated to this fund.
Payments from this fund shall be made in full on a scheduled basis,
as provided by law.
Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be
submitted to the people of the state at the next general election
in the manner provided by law.