Measure Provides Free Tuition to Tens of Thousands of Minnesotans, Freezes Tuition MN State System for Two Years
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate has passed a “game-changing” higher education budget that will allow tens of thousands of eligible Minnesota students to attend college tuition free, and will enact a two-year tuition freeze for tens of thousands of students attending schools in the Minnesota State system.
Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic said the historic and unprecedented bill authored by Higher Education Committee Chair Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) will make a college education much more accessible for those attending two- or four-year colleges.
“This bill is a game changer for thousands of Minnesota students and their families as well as for two- and four-year colleges across our state,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “It will ensure that a college education is significantly more affordable and accessible to many more Minnesotans and will increase the diversity of students attending Minnesota colleges. This is a historic win for Minnesota students, for families, and for colleges across the state, and it will strengthen our economy for generations to come.”
Majority Leader Dziedzic said bill includes $1.5 billion for the University of Minnesota, which is in her district. The funding includes $10 million over the next two years to increase campus safety.
“This is the most transformational and impactful higher education budget in America,” Senator Fateh said. “We are leading the way by making a commitment to all of our students. Previous legislatures have attempted to alleviate institutional budget shortfalls. This bill centers the needs of our students themselves. The North Star Promise tuition-free program is a strong step in the right direction on addressing equity gaps for BIPOC Minnesotans, and opens the door to many people who otherwise would not even consider attending college. By investing in students from their first day on campus to graduation, we’re investing in communities across the state.”
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