The Minnesota State Senate today passed a $3.28 billion higher education budget (SF 943) that would provide funding increases for Minnesota’s colleges and universities, including a $1.2 million boost for Minnesota State College Southeast campuses. In addition, all two-year non-metro colleges will receive additional supplemental funding of at least $100,000, but potentially as much as $300,000.

“The Red Wing campus of Minnesota State College Southeast is an important resource to our area, with a fantastic reputation,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “I supported this bill to show our commitment to continuing that reputation of excellence.”

In addition to significant funding increases for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota state campuses, the higher education budget bill increases funding by $210 million over forecasted spending for a number of critical programs, such as:

• $36 million for the state grant program for financial aid
• $8 million to advance cancer research
• $5 million for Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research
• $1 million for Workforce Development Scholarships
• $750,000 for Large Animal Veterinarian Loan Forgiveness
• $400,000 to help students with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• $350,000 for students facing homelessness

The bill also includes a modified tuition freeze for Minnesota State campuses, and a provision requiring student fee increases of more than 2% to be put before students for a vote.