2016 legislative session convenes
Tuesday, March 8, marked the first day of the 2016 Minnesota legislative session. The Capitol renovations have created new logistical challenges; the Senate floor sessions are being held temporarily in the new Minnesota Senate Building. The construction also is part of the reason for the shorter legislative session. The Republican-led House and DFL-led Senate have only 10 weeks to tackle their legislative priorities.
The legislature will focus on crafting a bonding bill, as well deciding how to allocate the $900 million budget surplus.
State of the State address
On Wednesday, March 9, Governor Dayton delivered his State of the State address at McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, due to the Capitol renovation. In his remarks, he discussed his vision for the state's future and emphasized his interest in passing both a bonding bill and a supplemental budget bill this legislative session.
The governor's address included support for investments in the University, particularly capital investment. "Many buildings on the University of Minnesota and MnSCU campuses are badly in need of basic repairs," he said. "They cannot be expected to attract and retain first-rate students with second- or third-rate facilities. They also need to build new facilities in which to provide the world-class educations their students will need to be successful in this global economy." View the governor's bonding recommendations for the University.
Before the governor's address, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association hosted a reception for members of the Minnesota Legislature and their guests. Over 300 people attended and had the opportunity to take photos with Goldy Gopher.
Senate Higher Ed receives update on human research participant standards
On Thursday, March 10, President Kaler, Vice President for Research Brian Herman, and Dean of the Medical School and Vice President for Health Sciences Brooks Jackson provided the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee with an update on the progress of the University of Minnesota's human research participant protection program. President Kaler reemphasized the University's commitment to meeting, upholding, and exceeding the highest ethical standards in research practices involving human participants. The committee was provided with the following materials:
- Minnesota Legislature mandated report: Human Subject Research Standards - March 2016
- Star Tribune editorial by Dr. Brooks Jackson
- Letter from Dr. David Strauss
Legislation introduced
The House and Senate introduced 580 and 358 bills respectively in this first week of the legislative session. The first legislative deadline requires a bill to be heard in either the House or Senate by April 1, 2016, in order to continue on in the legislative process.
The Office of Government and Community Relations tracks all legislation that may impact the University and notifies internal stakeholders who may be affected.