Omnibus Higher Education Bill Passes the Legislature

After more than ten hours of debate, the omnibus higher education finance and policy bill passed the Minnesota House shortly before midnight on Saturday, June 19, by a vote of 71-57. Sponsored by Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-New Brighton), SSHF7 was approved 71-57 by the House. And passed the Senate where Sen. David Tomassoni (I-Chisholm) was the sponsor.

The $3.51 Billion Bill increases overall state spending in higher education by $100 million for FY22-23. The appropriation to the University of Minnesota is $1.39 billion or 40% of the total spending. This is an increase of $38 million in operations and maintenance funding–approximately 82% of the University’s legislative request. The bill also includes a one-time appropriation of $500,000 to the Natural Resources Research Institute.

The Omnibus Higher Education Bill caps tuition increases for Minnesota State students at 3.5% over the next two academic years, increase funding for both the Minnesota State and University of Minnesota systems, and fund the state’s financial aid programs, which are administered by the Office of Higher Education. The bill requires institutions to provide notice of impending closure, expand the “Hunger-Free Campus” designation to most institutions in the state.

“All Minnesota families deserve the opportunity to access a world-class education, no matter where they live, what they look like,” Bernardy said. “We had three key elements in mind as we put this student-centered bill together. To support student needs now and in the future, improve opportunities for all students using an equity lens, and ... tackle the challenge of rising costs and student debt.”