Economic Budget Forecast
Today, Minnesota Management and Budget announced a projected state budget surplus of $1.87 billion for the current biennium, up from $865 million in May. Of the current surplus, $594 million will be automatically allocated to reserves and $71 million to the Environment Funds, leaving $1.2 billion available for the 2016 legislative session. The next forecast will be released around the start of session on March 9.
Grand Opening of the Microbiology Research Facility
Also today, the University of Minnesota celebrated the grand opening of the Microbiology Research Facility, the fourth and final building of the Biomedical Discovery District. Partially funded by the state, the district comprises state-of-the-art facilities promoting collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
The Microbiology Research Facility will be home to the Department of Microbiology, as well as other faculty from across the Academic Health Center. The building's 80,000 square feet will include labs and office space dedicated to researching infectious diseases and developing new drugs and vaccines.