Dayton announces med school proposal
On Wednesday, January 21, Governor Mark Dayton proposed a major new investment in the University of Minnesota Medical School. The proposal would allow the University to hire 50 more medical researchers over the next eight years, address Minnesota’s looming shortage of doctors statewide, secure new grants, and support medical innovation and job creation. Governor Dayton’s proposal is based on the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Committee and will be included in Governor Dayton's 2015 budget proposal. Read Governor Dayton’s press release.
University officials provide overview presentations to House Higher Ed
On Tuesday, January 20, Dr. Brooks Jackson, Dean of the Medical School and Vice President for Health Sciences, and Provost Karen Hanson testified in front of the House Higher Education Committee. Provost Hanson presented on what makes the University a land-grant university, how the university is different from MnSCU, how each campus is unique, and the university’s impact on the state. View the presentation.
Dr. Jackson’s overview of the Academic Health Center (AHC) acquainted members with the schools, colleges and programs that make up the AHC as well as the range of research within the AHC. Between the November elections and the change in leadership in the House, this committee has a significant number of new members and the purpose of this presentation was to familiarize new members with the U.
2015 Capital Request
On Thursday, January 22, Vice President for University Services Pam Wheelock presented the University’s 2015 Capital Request to the House Capital Investment Committee. House members watched the request video and then listened to a detailed presentation on the University’s three proposed projects. View the presentation.
Updates provided to Senate Higher Ed
Also on Thursday, January 22, University officials were requested by the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee to present on several ongoing initiatives. First, Vice President for Research Brian Herman gave on update on MnDRIVE, a research initiative funded by the legislature in 2013. To date, MnDRIVE has led to 173 hires, 120 funded projects, and 31 patents, disclosures and intellectual property.
Next, Vice President for Human Resources Kathryn Brown presented an update on University initiatives stemming from last year’s Sibson and Huron reports, including changes in the human resource management system and job family study. Finally, Vice President and CFO Richard Pfutzenreuter and his staff reported the University’s achievement of all five performance measures specified in session law. The committee ran out of time due to many senators’ questions. The presentation will be continued on Tuesday.
Star Tribune: “U, higher ed deserve a boost at State Capitol”
Star Tribune editorial writer Lori Sturdevant sat down with President Kaler two weeks ago to review the U's legislative request. Read the resulting opinion piece from Sunday, January 18, which articulates the value of a research university and advocates for increased higher education funding this session.
Legislative deadlines announced
Last week, the House and Senate agreed upon the following legislative deadlines:
Friday, March 20: committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin
Friday, March 27: committees must act favorably on bills, or companion bills, which met the first deadline in the other house
Friday, April 24: the House Committee on Ways & Means and the Senate Committee on Finance must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills
Governor’s budget to be announced January 27
Governor Mark Dayton will release his budget on Tuesday. In addition to investment in the University of Minnesota Medical School, the budget is anticipated to include significant funding for transportation and $516 million for children through early and K-12 education, human services, and child care tax credits. The governor is expected to release a supplemental budget after the February economic forecast.
The Office of Government and Community Relations is poised to respond and advocate for the U’s 2016-17 Budget Request through the Legislative Action Network. Join the Legislative Action Network.