Governor Dayton releases biennial budget recommendations
Governor Dayton releases biennial budget recommendations
On Tuesday, January 24, Governor Mark Dayton released his FY18-19 budget proposal to the Minnesota Legislature. The $45.8 billion two-year proposal focuses on four areas: jobs, education, government reform, and quality of life. The proposal includes funding for five of the University of Minnesota's requested budget initiatives. View a comparison of proposals.
In a press release, President Kaler said, "I am grateful for the governor's pledge to advance student success, increase access to health care across Minnesota, translate research for the state's common good, and maintain affordability for Minnesota's students and families."
The governor may revise his recommendations after the state's economic forecast is released in February. The House and Senate will release their own budget proposals in the next few months.
Legislative Kickoff Breakfast
Yesterday, January 25, over 350 University of Minnesota students, faculty, alumni, staff, and supporters attended the Legislative Kickoff Breakfast at McNamara Alumni Center. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate the importance of sharing your U of M story with legislators. Attendees wrote postcards to their elected officials, signed up for the Legislative Action Network, and shared their stories on social media.
House Higher Ed hears U of M overview presentation
On Tuesday, January 24, President Eric Kaler, Provost Karen Hanson, Senior Vice President for Finance and Budget Operation Brian Burnett, and Budget Director Julie Tonneson presented the House Higher Education Committee with an overview of the University of Minnesota. The presentation emphasized the U of M's statewide impact and vision to drive Minnesota forward. Watch the hearing video.
U of M students and faculty testify in Senate Higher Ed
On Thursday, January 19, University of Minnesota students and faculty groups were invited to testify in front of the Senate Higher Education Committee. First, Minnesota Student Association Director of Government and Legislative Affairs William Dammann testified on the role of MSA and how state higher education funding has expanded his undergraduate experiences and opportunities at the U of M.
Next, Michael Oakes, epidemiology professor in the School of Public Health, and Donna Spannaus-Martin, professor of medical laboratory sciences, spoke about the Faculty Consultative Committee and the statewide importance of their work at the University. Finally, Geoffrey Rojas, research specialist, testified on behalf of the Postdoctoral Association.