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Minnesota House passes higher education finance bill to close state grant shortfall
Summary
The House gave final passage to Senate File 1 (House File 6), a bipartisan higher education finance and policy bill that backfills a projected $239 million shortfall in the state grant program and increases foster youth supports.
The Minnesota House passed Senate File 1, the higher education finance and policy bill, after members agreed to suspend the rules and give the bill an expedited reading. The conference agreement, described by authors as bipartisan, was presented on the House floor and carried provisions to address a projected shortfall in the state grant program and to increase support for foster youth.
The bill’s authors and co-chairs told the House the measure closes a projected $239,000,000 deficit in the state grant program through a mix of additional funding and program adjustments, protects the North Star Promise program for eligible students from households earning $80,000 or less, and increases the Fostering Independence Grants by $8,000,000.
Representative Zack Wolgamott, one of the bill’s authors, said the bill is “the hard negotiated conclusion of our bipartisan bicameral agreement” and urged members to support it. Representative Marion Rehrig and others emphasized the bill’s focus on student access and workforce development.
Members also expressed disappointment that the Legislature did not complete selection of four Board of Regents members for the University of Minnesota, a constitutional responsibility that some speakers said will cede appointment power to the governor unless addressed in a future session. Representative Robbins said the Legislature’s failure to elect regents means the governor’s appointments will stand unless the Legislature acts in a later joint convention.
The vote on final passage was taken by roll call. The clerk reported “95 ayes and 36 nays,” and the bill passed. Remote roll-call entries recorded Representative Olson voting yes during the roll call.
The bill contains multiple policy and funding provisions for Minnesota’s higher-education systems; sponsors said further oversight and follow-up work will continue in the next session.
Votes at a glance: Senate File 1 — final passage: 95 ayes, 36 nays (passed).
