Board grants authority to finalize 2026 legislative agenda and highlights $118M budget request including MJ Foster expansion

The Board of Regents granted the commissioner and board chair authority to finalize the 2026 legislative agenda after staff reviewed key budget priorities and exploratory bills ahead of the March 9 legislative session.

Budget staff outlined a request package totaling $118 million aimed at formula funding for two‑ and four‑year institutions, affordability initiatives and targeted program support. Presenters highlighted specific inclusions in the governor’s executive budget: $14.5 million for the MJ Foster Promise (bringing the program to a $25 million total commitment), $4 million for START savings upgrades for 529 and ABLE program administration, and adjustments for campus cost increases and health‑science center needs.

Staff also noted a larger, one‑time ask under consideration — roughly $175 million to create a monitoring and fiscal‑health analysis capability across the four systems — and discussed continuing priorities such as Tops for Docs, Tops Tech expansion, dual‑enrollment application uniformity, digital‑misuse work and phased retirement studies. Board members sought sponsors for teacher‑education funding and discussed the need to emphasize teacher recruitment alongside workforce training.

Senior staff recommended granting authority to finalize the legislative agenda; the motion carried after discussion. Board members asked staff to return with updates at the March meeting and to pursue sponsor identification for priority bills.