The above newspapers from smaller market areas in Michigan were among those that ran an AP story about a proposed agreement between Gov. Granholm and Michigan Republican legislative leaders to increase funding for public universities. Under the measure, projected funding increases would range from 2.5 percent for Wayne State to 6 percent at Grand Valley State . "It's a clear signal we feel investment in higher education is an investment in our economy," said Greg Bird, a spokesman for the state Budget Office.