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University of Minnesota warns that Senate rider eliminations would force cuts to geological survey, Bell Museum and other programs
Summary
Senate language in the higher‑education side‑by‑side would remove several University of Minnesota state special appropriations, including the Minnesota Geological Survey and the Bell Museum. University officials and the survey director told the conference committee the cuts would eliminate services and staff and delay work used by state agencies.
University of Minnesota officials and program directors told the Higher Education Conference Committee that the Senate bill’s proposed eliminations of multiple state special appropriations could force program closures, staff reductions and diminished service to state agencies.
"We do not have sufficient discretionary resources to absorb these cuts internally," Christine Keel, interim director of government and community relations for the University of Minnesota, said. She listed several items singled out in the Senate proposal, including the Minnesota Geological Survey, the Bell Museum, the Humphrey Forum and the talented youth mathematics program. "Without that additional support, we will be forced to scale back or in some cases fully sunset those long‑standing programs that have had meaningful statewide impact," Keel said.
Minnesota Geological Survey: impact and numbers
Bob Tipping, director of the Minnesota Geological Survey, told the committee the survey’s state appropriation dates to 1961 and provides foundational maps and hydrogeologic data used by public‑safety, environmental and infrastructure agencies. He said the state appropriation amounts to roughly 30% of the Survey’s annual income and that eliminating it would be ‘‘equivalent of 7 FTEs for a staff of about 30 people.’’ Tipping described practical consequences: faster answers for county and state officials on nitrate and PFAS impacts to groundwater, more timely technical support for permitting and siting, and resources used directly by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources and local governments.
Bell Museum, outreach and students
Bell Museum representatives said their appropriation supports scientific collections, the online Minnesota biodiversity atlas and student employment. "We steward $280,000 biennial appropriation for over five decades," a Bell Museum witness told the committee, saying cuts would reduce staffing and delay services for state agencies and K‑12 outreach.
What the bills say and next steps
Nonpartisan analysts walking through the side‑by‑side noted the Senate bill eliminates several base riders (system special and college special appropriations) that the House leaves intact or moves into operations. Committee members did not vote; chairs said the conference committee will revisit these technical items after budget targets are set.
