(Washington D.C.)- As a result of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's announcement of the creation of a Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in Macomb County, and the establishment of an independent, professional, privately-funded study of the County's higher education needs, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) sent the following letter to supporters of a 4-year University in Macomb County today.

To participate in this endeavor, please email FourMacomb@mail.house.gov.

Dear Friends:

I wanted to make sure you saw the July 17th news regarding the Macomb County higher education announcement of Governor Granholm and thank you for your part in advancing this important endeavor.

The Governor said, "no County in Michigan is taking the challenge of increasing opportunities for college more seriously than Macomb County, and the State of Michigan needs to support that effort," as she announced two initiatives that will help the State meet Macomb County's higher education needs.

- The Governor signed an Executive Order creating a 15-member Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in Macomb County.  The Commission will assess the need for expanded post-secondary education opportunities in Macomb County by engaging residents in far-reaching public dialogue.  The commission will hold hearings and receive public comments, and will report its findings to the Governor and the State Board of Education.  Click here for a full list of the Commission members.

- The Governor announced that there would be an independent, professional, privately-funded study of the County's higher education needs.

Since the study and the commission will be independent of one another, the Governor has asked me to serve as the liaison between the two initiatives.  I am pleased to do so because it will give me the opportunity to share the important work that has already been done by members of the 12th District Congressional Advisory on Higher Education in Macomb County chaired by Ken DeBeaussaert and Jim Edoff.  The four working subgroups that were established have brought to the surface a number of key issues that need further examination by the professional research company.  The town hall meetings, advisory committee meetings, and sessions with students that we have held will also provide a good starting point for the public dialogue to be undertaken by the broad-based commission established by the Governor.

I am confident that the work of the 12th District Congressional Advisory Committee is part of what drew the Governor's attention to the need for the State to be a full partner in Macomb County to address fully the need for more access to higher education within the County.

The Governor made it clear that Macomb County will play a major role in her goal of doubling the number of college graduates in the next ten years, and she has set two paths that are vital to our success.  As the Study and the Commission undertake their work, we will keep in close touch with you so that you can continue your involvement in this important endeavor.

Again, many thanks.

Sincerely,

/s

Sander M. Levin

Click here to read the news articles about the Governor's announcement.

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