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Committee adopts amendment to streamline emergency grant distribution to colleges, lays bill over
Summary
Senate file 2406 would direct emergency student grant funds to higher education systems for faster distribution; the committee adopted an A‑2 amendment and laid the bill over after testimony emphasizing the program's role in preventing dropouts.
Senate file 2406, a bill to change administration of emergency assistance grants for postsecondary students, was discussed before the Minnesota Senate Higher Education Committee. The committee adopted an A‑2 amendment that directs certain funds to Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota and adjusts reporting requirements, then laid the bill over.
Sponsors and system officials told the committee the measure is intended to speed the delivery of emergency funds to students who face urgent needs such as housing, food, transportation and medical expenses. Supporters cited data showing emergency grants have kept students enrolled.
Senator Umu Verbaten (sponsor) said the bill would allow institutions to receive direct deposits into designated accounts and distribute emergency grant funds more quickly. Paul Shepherd, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at Minnesota State, said almost 5,000 students have received emergency grants since Minnesota State launched its program in March 2024 and the system has disbursed more than $3 million. Shepherd reported an average grant of just under $700 and an average approval time of about three days for approved applications.
Student witnesses described personal impacts. Shaniqua Robinson, a graduate of North Hennepin Community College, said an emergency grant helped her pay past-due utilities and buy books during a period of extreme financial hardship, enabling her to complete her degree. Casey Metcalfe, manager of government relations at Students United, said parenting students and low-income students rely on emergency grants to stay enrolled and that student-parents commonly work over 30 hours a week while attending college.
The committee adopted an A‑2 amendment moved by the sponsor and recorded by committee counsel as not appropriating new money above the base but reallocating distribution mechanics. Committee counsel and staff explained that the base appropriation in current law is $3,579,000 per year; an earlier request had been $5,000,000 but the department of finance/DE adjustments changed the baseline used in amendment language.
After questions from senators about allocation methodology, committee members approved the amendment by voice vote; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
