Higher education funding gets conference committee approval

Looking to increase funding to institutions and curb tuition costs for those seeking post-secondary education opportunities, the omnibus higher education finance conference committee report was approved Tuesday morning.

Sponsored by Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) and Senate President Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville), HF2477/SF2214*, as amended, proposes nearly $3.2 billion in General Fund spending during the 2018-19 biennium, an increase of $125 million from the current two-year total.

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Among the allocations, the Office of Higher Education would receive $496 million during the biennium, a $28.5 million increase.

The University of Minnesota would receive $1.2 billion over the 2018-19 biennium, an increase of $18.6 million over the period, while Minnesota State would receive $1.4 billion over the biennium, an increase of $77.7 million.

A policy provision in the bill requires Minnesota State to freeze tuition at all state colleges during the 2017-18 academic year and reduce tuition by 1 percent in 2018-19.