On Sunday, Senate Republicans passed a bipartisan education budget that advances Minnesota by prioritizing students, invests in our state institutions and develops a future generation of the work force.  The compromise bill, Senate File 943, is product of negotiations between the Senate, House and Governor.

“This year’s higher education bill is the result of tireless negotiations between Republican legislators, Governor Dayton and his administration. The legislation represents a true compromise between all parties and incudes funding and provisions that will benefit students across the state,” said Senator Justin Eichorn, Vice Chair of Senate’s E-12 Policy Committee. “I’m proud that we could pass this bill and include funding for institutions like Bemidji State University & Northwest Technical College so that they can continue to provide students with great educational opportunities.”

The legislation makes an investment of $3.28 billion in Minnesota’s post-secondary institutions and students, workforce training, and research, and represents an increase of $210 million over the previous budget. Additionally, the bill includes $3.198 million in increased funding for both Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.

S.F. 943 also aims to keep college affordable, providing additional funding for the Minnesota State Grant program for children from low and middle income families. Additionally, the legislation aims to control skyrocketing tuition increases by limiting state institutions to a 1% growth at two-year colleges during the 2017-2018 academic year and freezing both two- and four-year institutions during the 2018-2019 period.

Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to provide loan forgiveness to agriculture educators, establish an academic program for students with disabilities, and establish a workforce develop scholarship to encourage students to enter high -demand occupations after graduation.