State Relations promotes the interests of all five University of Minnesota campuses with our elected officials in St. Paul and with other organizations around the state. We increase support for the University’s mission by illuminating the University’s contributions to research, education, public service, and the economy.
U of M Day at the Capitol
On February 22, University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff rallied on the State Capitol steps in support of state funding to support University education, research, and outreach across the state. Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron, Interim President Jeff Ettinger and several U of M students and alumni provided remarks in support of the University's state legislative requests. The legislative session, capital investment — also called bonding — will be the top priority for state leaders. The University’s $500 million capital request includes more than 150 Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) projects on four campuses and 11 research and outreach centers. These projects include building accessibility needs, fire protection systems, leaky roofs and windows, asbestos abatement and other core maintenance issues that must be corrected to provide safe and usable spaces. This session, the University is also requesting state funding for two additional requests:
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Setting University Legislative Priorities
Legislative priorities of the University are prepared in consultation with the President, the Provost, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations, and Government Relations and then referred to the Board of Regents for review and action. Once the recommendations are approved, the Board submits them to the Minnesota Legislature and executive branch agencies for consideration in the upcoming legislative session.
If you are interested in submitting a budget or capital request for consideration by the Legislature or Governor, please consult with the Dean of your college and the Office of the Provost. Government Relations cannot approve or deny budget or capital requests, and will only support projects or budget requests submitted by the Board of Regents.
Contact
Christine Kiel
Director of Government Relations
[email protected]
Focus area: Health sciences
Andrew Chelseth
Associate Director of Government Relations
[email protected]
Focus areas: Agriculture, energy, environment, K-12 education
Keeya Steel
Government Relations Communications Analyst
[email protected]
Focus area: UMN Advocates, fiscal notes, mandated reports.
