Governor's budget heard in higher education committee; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the Capitol
House Higher Education committee members heard about the governor's budget plan for higher education yesterday. Sheila Wright, the director of the Office of Higher Education told members that the core missions of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the University of Minnesota must be protected. When asked what the governor's budget would look like if his plan didn't include any new revenue, Wright said the academic core would be breached, but said she was unable to provide specifics at this time.

Mark Misukanis with the Office of Higher Education explained that the governor did not reduce the state grant program because projections indicate a need to ration grants to serve the increasing numbers of students. The state work study program however is being reduced 33 percent, which means approximately 3,500 fewer students will be employed on state work study funds. Dayton's budget proposal also eliminates the Achieve Scholarship program

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system will respond to Gov. Dayton’s proposed budget on Thursday in the House Higher Education committee, and provide a detailed discussion of the system’s finances.

Today at the Capitol
There are no higher education related hearings today.

At 10:00 a.m., legislative leaders will hold their weekly media availability to discuss the week events and the upcoming week.

Looking Ahead
Monday, February 21
10:15 AM
House Ways and Means
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg
Agenda: Presentation of Gov. Dayton's Budget - Commissioner Jim Schowalter, Minnesota Management & Budget

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

4:00 PM
House in Session

Tuesday, February 22
8:15 AM
House Education Reform
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson
Agenda: HF511 (Erickson) Public school unneeded mandates removed.

10:30 AM
Senate Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda:
Overview from Dr. David Crowe, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders
S.F. 283-Howe: Minnesota business investment company credit establishment and appropriation.

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: University of Minnesota:
Response to Gov. Dayton's proposed budget
Detailed discussion of organization and finances

Wednesday, February 23
2:30 PM
House Capital Investment
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Larry Howes
Agenda: HF607 (Howes) Capital improvement funding provided to acquire and better public land and buildings and for other improvements of a capital nature, nonprofit housing bond authorization changes made, bonds issued, appropriations modified, and money appropriated.
Testifying: Minnesota Management and Budget

Thursday, February 24
11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities:
Response to Gov. Dayton's proposed budget
Detailed discussion of organization and finances