With fewer than two days remaining in the legislative session, Senate Republicans, including Sen. Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud), began the process of passing a final state budget with the bipartisan passage of a higher education bill. The bill, which is the result of negotiations between the Senate, House, and Gov. Dayton, passed with bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature.

“The higher education budget bill represents a significant compromise between the House, the Senate, and the governor. It meets the needs of Minnesota students – especially those in the greater St. Cloud community – who are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Sen. Relph. “With the future in mind, the bill offers institutions like St. Cloud State University and St. Cloud Community and Technical College the funding they need to offer attractive programs that will draw students.”

An investment of $3.28 billion in Minnesota’s post-secondary institutions and students, workforce training, and research, represents an increase of $210 million over the previous budget. In addition to an estimated $1.865 million increase in funding to St. Cloud Community and Technical College, supplemental funding for the college – and other two-years schools across Greater Minnesota – is included. St. Cloud State University will see an increase of $8.766 million in funding. In total, an additional $106.3 million will be sent to Minnesota State, formerly MnSCU, schools.

To keep college affordable, the budget includes an increase in funding for the Minnesota State Grant Program. Tuition increases at Minnesota State institutions are limited to 1% at two-year colleges during the upcoming academic year, while tuition at both two- and four-year schools will be frozen for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Finally, funding for programs aimed at addressing our state’s shortage of qualified senior and health care workers, along with the teacher shortage felt in many rural communities, is included in the bill.

“The higher education bill provides Minnesota students access to a quality, affordable post-secondary education and ensures students and institutions have every opportunity to succeed.” Sen. Relph continued. “The bill will do a lot of good.”

Sen. Relph is in his first term representing Senate District 14, which includes St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and other communities in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties.