Capitol Update 18

We have reached the last week of Session and as the days wind down, we have begun to reach
agreement on the final budget areas. There are ever present gaps between the approaches of the
Senate, House and Governor. In many cases, these agreements fail to satisfy most. It is time for
legislators and interest groups alike to face hard truths about the final numbers. Initiatives that have
been worked on all Session long are now up in the air as the need to pass a comprehensive State budget
takes precedence over individual projects.
Higher Education Target
While there are still a few targets up in the air, we did receive the
news on Thursday evening that leadership has agreed to $166
million above the base in the Higher Education Division. Of this
figure, $30 million has been agreed to for the University of
Minnesotas Medical School request. This leaves $131 million to be
divided between the two systems: MnSCU and the University of
Minnesota, as well as the State Grant Program. If you remember, the
Senate position requested that we treat the two systems with parity
giving them near equal allocations. In contrast, the House position
was to provide nearly zero funding for the University of Minnesota,
while giving MnSCU a windfall. As we debate over the final
agreement, these two approaches must be reconciled. I am
fortunate to have a strong relationship with my counterpart,
Representative Bud Nornes, and do believe that we will find
compromise.

Senator Bonoff, Senator Miller and Senator

Clausen greet MnSCU students who walked 142K
for $142M

As you will see below, the polling numbers from last weeks Survey
revealed that the overwhelming majority of you supported a higher
target than what was agreed to in the end. I will let you know how
this turns out in my end of Session wrap up next week.

Sticking Points
As I mentioned, leadership is currently locked in debate over a few areas of the budget. In particular, the Health
and Human Services and the Education budget are still at a standoff. You have to keep in mind that these two
areas have direct impacts on the lives of each and every Minnesotan. This debate is vital to the well-being of our
citizens. I know that all of our Legislators, as well as the Governor, recognize this and do not take this task lightly.

Topic Rewind
Last week, I described the Higher Education proposals that each body had put forward. The results showed
that respondents were strongly in favor of the Governor and Senate target. This does not surprise me, as our
district has always prioritized Education in our State budget. I thank you for participating.

Which proposal do you favor?

Governor - $288 million above base
Senate - $205 million above base
House - $56 million above base (w/ -$53 million out of the State Grant)