On Sunday, May 21, legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement on the higher education budget bill.
On Sunday, May 21, legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement on the higher education budget bill. The Senate passed the bill 39-28 and the House passed the bill 78-54. The governor is expected to sign the bill.
The bill, S.F. 943, provides $54.62 million in new funding in FY18-19 for the University of Minnesota for the following items:
- $27.95 million for core missions
- $14 million for health training restoration
- $8 million for MnDRIVE cancer initiative
- $4 million for the Natural Resources Research Institute
- $1 million for tuition assistance at the Morris campus
- $50,000 for planning a program for students with academic and developmental disabilities
- $376,000 reduction in the Bell Museum's base appropriation
The bill also includes the following policy provisions pertaining to the University of Minnesota:
- Requests the U of M to adopt a policy that would cap student fee increases at 2% above the prior academic year. Any increase above 2% would require an affirmative vote of approval by the campus student body. The provision exempts fees for academic, administrative, health program and debt obligations. If the U of M approves a fee increase above 2% without an affirmative vote, then MMB is required to reduce the U of M's base appropriation from the state by 1%
- Requests a tuition freeze for the 2018-2019 academic year for residents
- Requests a plan to increase outreach and recruitment of Greater Minnesota students at the Twin Cities campus
- Requests the Morris campus to create programs for the 2018-19 academic year for students with academic and developmental disabilities
- Clarifies the statute on teaching or conducting research related to the practice of psychology
- Requires an annual report on the University's use of human fetal tissue in research, and request the legislative auditor to audit the University's use of human fetal tissue
- Requests the U of M to provide resources to student parents or pregnant students
- Encourages fiscal balance in collective bargaining negotiations
- Requires additional reporting requirements in biennial budget proposals
Many of the other budget bills required to complete the legislative session are unresolved, including health care, transportation, taxes, and K-12 education. Additionally, there has been no agreement on a bonding bill. The legislature and governor must complete their work by midnight tonight in order to avoid a special session.