On Thursday, March 16, Governor Walz increased his budget recommendation for the University by $52 million for FY24-25. The governor’s revised proposal increases University's core mission support by $42 million, for a total of $112 million. The proposal also includes $10 million for systemwide campus safety and security. Learn more about the governor's budget recommendations.
While we appreciate this increased funding recommendation, we will continue to advocate for our full budget request which recognizes inflationary cost increases and supports competitive compensation; tutoring, advising, and other essential student services; classroom equipment and supplies; scholarship opportunities; and campus safety–with the potential to hold resident undergraduate tuition rates flat through a tuition freeze for the next two years.
The House and Senate are expected to release their higher education budget bills in the coming weeks.
Legislative leadership has expressed interest in passing two bonding bills this session. Earlier this month, the House passed its first bonding bill, which provides funding for two University projects: $39.5 million for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) and $92.6 million for Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories. On Thursday, March 16, the Senate voted on the bill, but did not reach the 3/5 majority required to pass. Learn more about the University's capital request.