Public universities in Michigan collectively receive about $1.5 billion in funds from the state, with the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State receiving a total of more than $800 million, according to this article. The overall total is about $200 million less that was allocated just four years ago. A group of MSU students has approached the House Higher Education and Career Preparation Committee seeking more funding. Michael Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan , pointed out that higher education funding is impacted by the state's general budget. "As long as we're competing with corrections and Medicaid, were going to have this problem," he said.