Testifiers speak on behalf of Minnesota State benefits

Minnesota State is the largest provider of post-secondary education in the state, with 396,000 students at its 37 colleges and universities across 54 campuses.

Formerly known as the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU), Minnesota State provides higher education schooling to 84,000 low-income students and 63,400 students of color.

“The work our colleges and universities do truly matters to many people,” said Board Chair Michael Vekich. “Minnesota cannot afford to leave anybody behind.”

On Wednesday, the House Higher Education and Career Readiness Policy and Finance Committee received a system overview. A wide range of testifiers - both affiliated with different colleges and universities along with current or former students - spoke on behalf of the system’s benefits.

“We’re very proud of the programs that we have,” said Hennepin Technical College President Dr. Merrill Irving Jr. “We commit ourselves every day to keep these pipelines-to-prosperity open.”

Minnesota State’s Fiscal Year 2016 operating budget was nearly $1.63 billion. Its officials seek $178 million in additional base funding for the upcoming biennium. Gov. Mark Dayton’s biennial budget proposal calls for a $150 million bump.

A formal budget request presentation is expected in the coming weeks.

System officials are also requesting $204.6 million in general-obligation bonding, in including $141.9 million for 18 major capital projects and $110 million for asset preservation. User financing of $47.3 million would cover the total difference.