In a story reviewing Jennifer Granholm's tenure as Michigan's governor, higher education is mentioned as taking heavy hits during budget cut decisions. State spending cuts during her term have totaled $170 million, which analysts say is pushing up tuition costs. "I remain hopeful that we will be treated better in the new budget, but if we're not viewed as a budget priority from here on, that would be a very inconsistent message," said Michael Boulus, executive director of the President's Council of State Universities in Michigan.