ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard SF 5, the Omnibus Higher Education bill today. This bill provides a comprehensive framework to serve Minnesota post-secondary students. This language directs state resources to align with workforce and citizenry imperatives.
The Omnibus Higher Education Bill includes:
• Two year technical college is available at no cost for qualifying low and middle income students;
• Grants are provided for businesses that provide paid apprenticeships while students learn. The grant dollars are directed to tuition;
• The University of Minnesota and MnSCU receive increased appropriations and are asked to keep tuition affordable, reduce administrative costs and deliver stronger student outcomes;
• Resources are provided to expand agriculture education and maximize Minnesota’s leadership in this sector;
• Investments in the University of Minnesota Medical School and related research reflect the work of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission;
• Oversight reporting language provides accountability measures for human subject testing failures at the University of Minnesota.
“Bi-partisan work by Committee members and our colleagues, along with a strong chorus of community demand has created a bill that delivers on the promise of our students, our community and our state. This allows for a sea change in the approach to delivering high quality post-secondary education for all,” added Sen. Bonoff.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Sen. Terri Bonoff at 651-296-4314 or by email at sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn.
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