Updates from the Government Relations team are sent periodically during the legislative session.                                                  
Legislative Update - June 1, 2016
Governor Dayton lays out terms for a special session

Governor Dayton today announced the conditions under which he will agree to call the legislature into special session. Included in his conditions is a requirement that bills submitted for consideration include an additional $21 million operating budget increase for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, an additional $28 million in Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) for a total of $63 million in HEAPR funds, and an additional critical classroom project, bringing individual campus projects to nine. 

“Governor Dayton’s support is great news for Minnesota and will help protect critical programs and ensure that our classrooms and laboratories will remain state-of-the-art, safe, warm, and dry,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

“We are grateful for the support that both Governor Dayton and the legislature have shown throughout the session.  We look forward to continuing our work to develop the talent Minnesota needs for businesses and communities to grow, and eliminate economic and racial disparities by providing all Minnesotans with the opportunity to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

The Governor's letter to leadership outlining his conditions can be found HERE.

Governor signs supplemental budget bill

Earlier today, Governor Dayton signed into law the supplemental budget bill.

The supplemental budget bill includes three of Dayton’s spending priorities. It provides $25 million to begin statewide, voluntary prekindergarten. There is $35 million to further expand rural broadband and $35 million for initiatives aimed at addressing racial economic disparities.

Dayton said the bill will help 3,700 four-year-olds gain access to quality preschool programs. He said the broadband expansion will help 12,000 households, businesses and community institutions.

The supplemental budget bill adds $570,000 to MnSCU's operating budget in FY17. Included in the bill are other provisions which can be found in the legislative summary available HERE.

Government Relations team:

Jaime Simonsen – Jaime.simonsen@so.mnscu.edu
Bernie Omann – Bernie.omann@so.mnscu.edu
Jim Grathwol – jim.grathwol@so.mnscu.edu