Governor Dayton signed twelve bills into law, including the higher education and bonding bill.
Yesterday, May 30, Governor Dayton signed twelve bills into law, including the higher education and bonding bill. After initially deciding to let the tax bill become law without his signature, the governor changed course late last night and also signed the tax bill.
In a twist, the governor also line-item vetoed the House and Senate's budgets, calling on the legislature to address four items in a special session, including teacher licensure. Read the governor's letter to legislative leaders. The House and Senate have small amounts of budget reserves on hand, but not enough for a full biennium. It is unclear whether these issues will be resolved in a special session or in court.
On Thursday, May 26, President Kaler released a statement expressing gratitude for the state funding of U of M education, research and outreach. He also voiced concern, "That said, state funding for the University of Minnesota was lower than what we fought for and need to benefit Minnesota's students and families. Tuition increases, in combination with program cuts, are the only levers we have to maintain mission-driven activities of the University."
View the final outcome of the higher education bill.
View the final outcome the bonding bill.
Government and Community Relations will release a comprehensive session summary in the coming weeks.