LANSING - The University of Michigan would have to report data on its stem cell research and Michigan State University would have to end its policy of requiring students to have health insurance if they want a piece of the $36 million in performance funding in changes made Friday by the Michigan House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee.

The committee, which reported the bill (HB 5377) along party lines, fundamentally changed the performance funding metrics proposed by Governor Rick Snyder.

To qualify for the money, universities would have a limit on tuition increase looking at a two-year basis, report embryonic stem cell research, participate in reverse transfer agreements with at least three community colleges in the state, ensure their dual enrollment policy doesn't consider use of credits toward high school graduation requirements and that the universities don't compel undergraduate students to carry health insurance.

U-M is the only university that conducts stem cell research and MSU is the only university that compels students to have health insurance. The Republican members of the subcommittee were clearly upset with the universities during testimony on those issues earlier this year.

Rep. Bob Genetski II (R-Saugatuck), the subcommittee chair, said the budget does not target anyone.

Rep. Joan Bauer (D-Lansing), the subcommittee's minority vice chair, vehemently disagreed and said such obvious punitive language has no place in the higher education budget.

"It really verges on social engineering," said Mike Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan.

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U-M Would Have To Report Data On Stell Cell Research In New House Bill