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House’s Higher Education Supplemental Budget Tackles Fraud, Passes Floor Vote

Monday, May 4, 2026

St. Paul, MN - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed its Higher Education Supplemental Budget proposal (HF 4252) authored by Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud), the Higher Education Committee’s Co-Chair. 

Among other updates, the budget notably appropriates $1.5 million ongoing for the Minnesota State Universities system to deploy identity verification software to combat ghost students. Ghost students are fraudulent individuals whose identities - often stolen - are used to enroll in college courses with the sole purpose of stealing financial aid.

“Ghost students are fleecing taxpayers and denying real students opportunities,” Wolgamott said. “Our budget provides the Minnesota State system with the tools needed to catch these fraudsters and ensure we’re supporting the students who deserve it.” 

The bill passed on a vote of 82-52. More information can be found in the nonpartisan House Research summary of the bill. Video of today’s floor debate can be found on the House Public Information YouTube channel. 

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