HB 5000 would create a commission that includes four residents not affiliated with a state university in any capacity, appointed by the governor with Senate approval, three appointed by the House speaker, three appointed by the Senate majority leader, and the lieutenant governor.

“This commission may make a recommendation that we need major changes in higher education governance or that we need a whole new form of governance. Either way, I think it's time to put the discussion on the table,” said Genetski, a Grand Valley State University grad.

The universities responded strongly through their advocacy and lobbying association.

“He's trying to dismantle higher education,” said Michael Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan.