On March 22, Governor Walz released his revised budget recommendations for FY2020-21. Today, the House DFL majority released its budget targets. The House proposed a $304.9 million increase for higher education, which includes the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the Office of Higher Education.
On Friday, March 22, Governor Walz released his revised budget recommendations for FY2020-21. These revisions were necessary following the smaller projected budget surplus announced in late February.
The governor’s proposal included an $11.8 million increase for the University of Minnesota in addition to his initial recommendation of $39.2 million, for a total of $51 million for the biennium. Overall, the governor proposed $137 million in spending reduction adjustments and $37 million in new investments in his revised proposal.
Today, the House DFL majority released its budget targets. The House proposed a $304.9 million increase for higher education, which includes the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the Office of Higher Education. According to House Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Higher Education Chair Connie Bernardy, the targeted amount is designed to freeze tuition at the state's public colleges and universities. The House budget target also includes debt service funding to allow for a $1.5 billion bonding bill. The committees will now begin work on the details of the budget bills within these targets. The Senate GOP majority will release its own budget targets later this week. The third committee deadline is April 12, meaning both bodies must pass their omnibus budget bills out of committee by this date.
Next week is Support the U Day at the State Capitol. On April 3, U of M students and supporters from across the state will descend on St. Paul to engage with legislators and advocate for the University of Minnesota. Please join us. Later that day, Governor Walz will present his first State of the State Address.