Friday, February 27, 2009

Town hall meetings have great system attendance,

Legislative Update
February 27, 2009

Town Hall meetings have great system attendance

House DFL leaders held 23 town hall meetings around the state the last two weeks to hear from the public about the current budget deficit. Leaders called the hearings a success in public problem solving. According to Session Daily, more than 3,000 submissions on how to solve the state's budget deficit have been received online and during the town hall meetings, and each submission will be forwarded to the related legislative committees.

Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, said top concerns expressed in the meetings included the need for fairness across the board: fairness with cutting programs, fairness when using the federal stimulus dollars and fairness with strategies for increasing revenues, such as income tax formulas.

Attending the town hall meetings were Minnesota State Colleges and Universities faculty, students and administrators from every corner of the state. Here is a recap of the events and comments on higher education from area newspapers:

Alexandria Echo Press
Attendance in Alexandria was at 350 people. Alexandria Technical College Vice President Jan Doebbert expressed concern about the impact that decreased funding for higher education might have on Minnesota students, colleges and its economy in the long run.

Bemidji Pioneer
Nearly 250 people filled the American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University to speak with legislators about the state’s budget. Many students and faculty testified at the event.

Higher education is important to the future of the state, said Andrew Spaeth, a Bemidji State University student. “It’s critical both for the economic quality of our state and the social well-being of the state.” For Minnesota to be viable, “we have to have a highly educated workforce,” he said. Bemidji State University, which faces $2.5 million in cuts under the governor’s budget, is the community’s third-largest employer.

Strong higher education “can help build Minnesota’s economy,” said Becky Bowen, another Bemidji State University student, adding that 80 percent of the graduates in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system stay in Minnesota, becoming tomorrow’s educators and nurses.

“Our students understand in difficult economic times that sacrifices must be made,” Bowen said. “However, a continuing trend of declining investments in public higher education will not help rebuild Minnesota’s economy and will not help us rebound.”

Christopher Brown, president of the Bemidji State University Inter-Faculty Organization, said its members have accepted a salary freeze as their part of a budget solution. “There is no one fix to this,” he said. “We’ve offered a pay freeze right at the beginning. That’s not going to solve it, even. There obviously has to be something on the revenue side that is not all tuition on the students. Perhaps some sort of tax adjustment may have to be made.”

Brainerd Dispatch
More than 200 people attended the Brainerd event, and 60 people spoke. Larry Lundblad, Central Lakes College president, said colleges have had significant cuts and noted that many of his students were nontraditional and the first generation of their families to attend college.

Morrison County Record
In Little Falls, in a room full of 150 people, Joyce Helens, president of St. Cloud Technical College, said her school has a 97 percent placement rate. She asked the lawmakers if she should stop producing dental hygienists or welders. “We get 'em in, get 'em out and get 'em jobs,” she said.

To learn more about the state budget, you may review the background PowerPoint presentation prepared by the House and Senate fiscal staff and used at the Town Hall meetings here.

We will learn more about the state’s budget deficit at 9:45 a.m Tuesday, March 3, when Minnesota Management and Budget releases the February Economic Forecast.

State lawmakers ask for balanced budget moving forward

Legislation passed by the House and Senate this week, HF 886, directs the state Legislature and governor to balance the budget for 2010-2011 and the next biennium. “This will ensure that the budget solutions put forward are honest and that they don’t just pass on a deficit to future legislatures,” said Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis. “The state needs to get its fiscal house in order, not for the next two years, but also into the future.”

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, called the federal stimulus money a “bridge into the future,” and said government leaders need to look beyond the next biennium and come up with a stable funding plan for government services over the long run. The House passed the bill 89-40, and the Senate passed it 57-8. The bill heads next to the governor.

Bonding proposal advances in House

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system can do its part to put people back to work. Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Al Johnson told the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division this week that $40 million of the proposed
$50 million asset preservation, or HEAPR, projects would go out for bid this calendar year. The bill, HF 859, sponsored by committee Chair Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, authorizes $50 million for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and $35 million for the University of Minnesota to fund the system’s repair and replacement requests. The bill was approved and referred to the House Capital Investment Committee.

The committee also heard HF 1063, also sponsored by Rukavina. The bill provides $106.6 million for higher education projects that were vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty last session or only partially funded in last year’s bonding bill. Included in the bill for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is $67.1 million for the five capital projects vetoed in 2008 totaling $40.28 million, and the four capital projects partially funded in 2008 totaling $26.83 million. If there is a not a bonding bill this session, the bill’s projects will be at the top of the system’s priorities next year, Johnson told the committee. This bill also was approved and referred to the House Capital Investment committee.

Also before the committee were other bills relating to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. One of the bills, HF 283, would provide funding to the city of Mankato to upgrade its convention center with a hockey rink and a performing arts center. The rink would be used by the Minnesota State University, Mankato women’s hockey team. Another bill, HF 23, is seeking $6 million of state funding, matched by local funds for a $12 million project, to create a steam line from Olmstead County’s waste-to-energy center to Rochester Community and Technical College. This alternative energy source could help heat and cool the campus and save the college 20 percent. Both of these bills advanced to the House Capital Investment Committee for consideration.

Bills move ahead in Business, Industry and Jobs committee

The Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee met this week to hear multiple bills, including SF 684, authored by Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, and SF 456, sponsored by Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato. Both bills expand the bioscience business development public infrastructure grant program to include higher education facilities. Because both bills were very similar and aimed at achieving the same objective, Sheran withdrew her bill and added her support to SF 684. Sheran offered an amendment requiring that grant recipients provide for the remainder of the public infrastructure costs related to projects from other sources. The committee approved the amended bill and sent it to the full Senate.

SF 643, authored by Sheran also was heard. This bill provides eligibility for unemployment benefits to workers who receive reduced hours while taking skills training programs associated with the workforce investment in regional economic development, or WIRED, program. The bill is designed to give financial relief to companies facing possible layoffs in response to the downturn in the economy because it allows the employees to work reduced hours, attend classes under the WIRED program and retain partial unemployment benefits, Sheran said. Sheran also said the bill helps companies retain skilled persons that they may have otherwise had to lay off, while giving employees a chance to get extra training without a significant loss in income brought about by a layoff. The committee approved the bill and re-referred it to the Finance Committee.

State of the Union Address calls for higher education action

President Barack Obama gave his State of the Union message Tuesday night and called for relief for American families. Starting April 15, there will be a tax cut to 95 percent of Americans, coming in larger paychecks. President Obama thought this ongoing tax cut would be better than a one-time check to stimulate the economy because of its continuing effect. He also proposed a higher education tax cut to families paying tuition through a $2,500 credit that would be available for four years. Recognizing the current economic condition, the president recommended a new lending program that would allow families to borrow for cars, homes or education by assisting banks, “It’s not about helping banks, it is about helping people.”

The president also is requiring greater accountability and transparency with government spending by creating a recovery Web site. This will allow Americans to track where the federal government is spending.

To move the country forward, President Obama said that the nation will focus on three things - energy, health care and education. Specifically on education, the president challenged all Americans to seek at least one year of higher education at a technical school or a four-year university. “It is the responsibility of every American to participate,” Obama said. “Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It is not just quitting on yourself, it is quitting on your
country. This country needs, and values, the talent of every American,” Obama said. By 2010, the president is calling for Americans to once again have the highest-educated rate of any country.

The entire speech can be viewed here.


President Obama releases his fiscal year 2010 budget

President Obama released a blueprint of his fiscal year 2010 budget this week. Included in his budget are several higher education provisions. Under the proposal, the Pell Grant would increase to a new maximum award of $5,550 and an estimated 7.5 million recipients would benefit. An American Opportunity Tax Credit, which was announced in the president’s State of the Union speech, would provide a tax deduction of $2,500 and provide 40 percent of this amount to be refundable to tax filers without a tax liability. The proposal also would revamp the Perkins Loan program, allowing all institutions of higher education to participate in awarding Perkins Loans. These loans primarily will be used to cover the gap between available aid and cost of attendance.

President Obama also gives the Direct Lending program a facelift; he is proposing to originate every Stafford loan through the U.S. Department of Education, thus ending the subsidies to the lending community and ending the Federal Family Education Loan program. Servicing of these loans would be contracted by the Department of Education.

States also would be given an opportunity to innovate to improve college completion rates. The president provides $500 million for the next five years in grants to encourage completion. A requirement of receiving these funds includes a rigorous research component.

More details of the president’s budget should be known in April. You may find further information on the president's overall budget here and for specific information on the education proposals, click here.

Fiscal year 2009 federal appropriations bills begin to move

Working toward a March 6 deadline, Congress is trying to move nine appropriations bills that were not passed last session. Each of these appropriations had continued funding at the previous fiscal year levels.

The House of Representatives incorporated the nine bills into one measure, H.R.1105, to continue funding for fiscal year 2009. Included in this measure was $4.4 billion more funding for education overall. Increased measures came in the following areas: $173 billion for Pell
grants (in addition to the funds in the federal stimulus package) totaling the maximum awards at $5,350, plus $980 million for work study, $2.8 million to Perkins Loans, raising the account for Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants to $757 million, and $313 million for GEAR-UP. You may find more information here. The Senate is expected to take up the measure Monday, March 2.

Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.

Monday, March 2

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

1:00 PM
House in Session

7:00-10:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy
Division
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: U of M Finance 101

Tuesday, March 3

8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: HF935 (Slocum) Charter school provisions modified.

Continuation of previous week's discussion of delete-everything amendment to HF935 Charter school provisions modified. Additional amendments may be offered and discussed. Committee will take final action on the bill.

9:45 a.m.
February Forecast Released
G-15 Capitol

10:30 AM
House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight
Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Tim Mahoney
Agenda: HF567 (Gunther) Bioscience business development public infrastructure grant program expanded.
HF12 (Mahoney) Unemployment compensation definitions modified.
HF680 (Kalin) Federal stimulus funding allocated for energy programs.

12:30 PM
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: Regent Elections: Joint committee voting - recommendations to the joint convention
Briefing and discussion of higher education provisions in the federal stimulus bill

3:00 PM
Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Prettner Solon
Agenda: SF913 (Bakk) - Greenhouse gas emissions reduction; land use planning, development, incorporations and minimum acreage standards restrictions; redevelopment grant program bond issue and appropriations.
SF673 (Stumpf) - Kennedy energy conversion building project (Go Green business center) appropriation.
SF657 (Prettner Solon) - Federal stimulus energy programs funding direction

Wednesday, March 4

8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: HF553 (Dittrich) Online learning provider requirements modified.
Informational hearing on HF1001 (Demmer) K-12 education state grants authorized to leverage quality improvements, and money appropriated.

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Testing and Assessments

3:00 PM
Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Ann H. Rest
Agenda:
S.F. 709-Bonoff: Minnetonka municipal street improvement districts authorization.
S.F. 407-Moua: Children's federal and state funding sources map of money.
S.F. 764-Moua: Indian affairs council electronic meetings authority.
S.F. 767-Doll: Metropolitan government water management plan review requirements modification.
S.F. 334-Prettner Solon: State employee veterans with service-related disabilities additional sick leave provision.
S.F. 515-Robling: Public employee definition modification.
S.F. 713-Robling: State employee suggestion system for cost-savings to the state award program.

6:00 PM
Joint Committee: House Finance and Ways and Means Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Rep. Loren Solberg
Agenda: Presentation of the February Forecast

Thursday, March 5

8:30 AM
Senate Committee on Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Richard J. Cohen
Agenda: February Forecast Briefing:
State Economist Tom Stinson
Commissioner Tom Hanson, Minnesota Management and Budget

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Testing and Assessments

12:30 PM
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: System bonding proposals
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities oversight review continued

4:30 PM
House Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Nora Slawik
Agenda: HF378 (Slawik) Early childhood education funding provided, and money appropriated
HF106 (Swails) P-20 education partnership established
Presentation on the Effects of Early Maltreatment and Trauma on Children and Families by Dr. Bruce Perry, M.D., PhD
Presentation on February Forecast

Friday, February 20, 2009

Federal stimulus update, Asset preservation heard, Students rally at Capitol, Election bill advances

Legislative Update
February 20, 2009

Impact of federal stimulus bill on Minnesota

Much of the legislative committee discussion this week was devoted to the federal stimulus bill and understanding its impact on Minnesota. Commissioner Tom Hanson of Minnesota Management and Budget said Minnesota will be receiving approximately $4 billion from the federal stimulus package, with potential estimates totaling $9 billion when tax impact is included. Hanson informed lawmakers that it will be a fair, communicative process in spending the federal dollars. Many details are still unknown, but his office is meeting with the Minnesota federal delegation to wade through the details, and a core group of agency heads also has been formed. Given what is known about the federal stimulus bill’s impact on Minnesota, as well as the updated economic forecast tentatively scheduled to be released March 3 with an expected worsening of the state budget deficit, lawmakers are interested in learning what Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s supplemental budget proposal will look like.

The Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy chair, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, said she is interested in hearing from agencies in the coming weeks about "shovel-ready" projects. Kelliher said she would like the executive branch and legislative branch to work together as much as possible to maximize the federal dollars, and she emphasized the importance of transparency in allocating the stimulus money and strict audit control. In regard to timing, Kelliher said, "We are going to have to sprint to the end to make a May 18 adjournment date."

Implementation of the federal stimulus package, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, will be carried out with unprecedented transparency, oversight and accountability. All announcements of contract and grant competitions and awards and formula grant allocations will be posted on a special Web site created by the White House. You may find it here. Also, the U.S. Department of Education has created a specific ARRA Web page. Currently, the site offers more information including a more detailed fact sheet and links to budget information, including state-by-state allocations for formula-based programs and a brief video statement by Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Additional information on the act will be posted to the site as it becomes available.

Specifically related to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, CareerOneStop, housed within the system, is referenced in the federal stimulus bill, which states that entities receiving federal money must post available job opportunities on the site. The CareerOneStop site, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a tool to help job seekers, students, businesses and career professionals locate employment. You can access this site at www.careeronestop.org/.

Hundreds attend town hall meetings

Minnesotans want their voices heard. People across the state are showing up by the hundreds at their local meetings to tell lawmakers how to balance the state's budget. The first weeklong series of the meetings began Thursday evening and lawmakers visited with community members on how the state budget affects them.

In Mankato, hundreds of people showed up at the Intergovernmental Center to comment. Testimony was scheduled for two hours, but because so many people wanted to speak, the meeting went longer. Ryan Anderson, Minnesota State University, Mankato student body president, told lawmakers that cuts to higher education hurt. “Minnesota’s quality of life depends on the quality of its workforce,” Anderson said.

At the St. Cloud City Hall, about 250 people shared their ideas. Abdi Rashid Abdi, community member and student at St. Cloud Technical College, told lawmakers to raise taxes: “Cutting the budget and services is not the best way to solve the problem. I’m concerned about education, about health care, about the judiciary. This is touching everything and everybody.”

Nearly 400 people attended the Rochester event. Dozens spoke and asked lawmakers to minimize cuts but not raise taxes. The Willmar event had “standing-room only” with 50 community members talking for 3.5 hours.

To find out more about upcoming hearings or to register to speak, visit here.

Asset preservation needs heard in Senate

The Senate Capital Investment Committee met for the first time this week to discuss asset preservation projects throughout the state. Al Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, presented the system's repair and replacement project needs to committee members. Johnson detailed the projects and told committee members that many of the projects will be able to start very quickly. He said the object of the asset preservation list this year is fast execution throughout the state.

A bill has been introduced (SF781/HF855) by the Capital Investment chairs, Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, and Rep. Alice Hausman, DFL-St. Paul, appropriating $35 million in bond proceed funds for repair and replacement projects at the University of Minnesota and $50 million for repairs and replacement projects to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is scheduled to testify on bonding Tuesday, Feb. 24, to the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division.

Students advocate protecting public higher education from cuts

Imagine the state with no teachers, law enforcement officials or nurses. This was the message that nearly 200 students delivered to lawmakers Wednesday at the Capitol. Students recognize that the state is in a tough economic time and cuts have to be made. “We simply ask that higher education be a priority,” said Jacob Littler, president of the Minnesota State College Student Association.

“There is no question that we are gong to be part of that solution,” said Chris Frederick, Minnesota State University Student Association chairman and a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “We are just looking to make sure it is not all on our backs this time.”

The Capitol Rally was the final event in a series of press conferences held by students throughout the state on university campuses. For press coverage of the events, please go here.

Election bill advances

The Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Subcommittee on Elections met this week to consider three election bills. Members advanced all three bills to the full committee. Included was SF661, authored by Sen. Sandra Pappas, DFL-St. Paul. The bill expands requirements for postsecondary institutions to report resident student information to the secretary of state for voter registration purposes. The bill also requires enhanced access to voter registration records and records of returned absentee ballots on the Internet. Sen. Pappas said the bill also authorizes the Secretary of State to provide a process for online registration for individuals with a Minnesota driver's license, identification card or learner's permit.

Becky Boe, co-president of the student senate at Bemidji State University, said in an increasingly digital world, students are accustomed to doing things online and the ability to register to vote online is a natural extension.

Lawmakers learn about smart investments in Minnesota's students

The Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division heard a report this week about smart investments in Minnesota's students from Growth and Justice Minnesota. Angie Eilers, with Growth and Justice Minnesota, said the education goal for Minnesota is to increase by 50 percent the rate of students who finish postsecondary education by 2020. Eilers said that to do this, Minnesota needs to invest in goals for certain grade levels. She said all high-school students must be prepared for postsecondary education upon graduation and those qualified to enroll in postsecondary education should begin within three years of graduating from high school.

Eilers went on to say that of the students who go on to postsecondary education, 34 percent are spending at least one year on remediation. She said this is costing both the state and students unnecessary amounts of money, so the state needs to invest more in K-12 education so that remediation is not needed.

Eilers also spoke of the program “Admission Possible.” Through Admission Possible, volunteers mentor and tutor students throughout 10th and 11th grade who do not see themselves attending college to prepare and encourage the students to attend college. Eilers said Admission Possible students have a 99 percent acceptance rate to postsecondary institutions and an 80 percent graduation rate.


Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.

Monday, February 23

10:30 AM (televised live)
House Finance and Ways and Means Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Rep. Loren Solberg
Agenda: Presentation and discussion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009

12:30 PM
Senate Committee on Business, Industry and Jobs
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. James P. Metzen
Agenda:
S.F. 400-Tomassoni: Mountain Iron economic development authority wind energy project limited liability company formation authorization.
S.F. 594-Higgins: Safe patient handling plans in clinical settings requirement.
S.F. 456-Sheran: Bioscience and business development public infrastructure grant program expansion.
S.F. 643-Sheran: Workforce Investment in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program unemployment benefit eligibility.

12:30 PM
Senate State Government Budget Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Don Betzold
Agenda: Governor's recommendation for the Department of Administration

1:00 PM
House in Session

2:45 PM
House Tax Committee
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Ann Lenczewski
Agenda: Report to the Legislature of the Governor's 21st Century Tax Reform Commission

7:00-10:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Overview and budgets for small boards and organizations:
Mayo Medical School, Accountancy board, Architecture/Engineering board, Barber/Cosmetology board, Higher Ed Facilities Authority, IRRRB, Bureau of Mediation Services, Combative Sports Commission, Workers' Comp Court of Appeals

Tuesday, February 24

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Governor's education bill

8:30 AM
K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: HF106 (Swails) P-20 education partnership established.
HF679 (Peterson, S.) School required to notify a parent when a student intimidates or bullies another student.
HF523 (Bigham) School background check requirements modified relating to disciplinary actions.

10:30 AM
House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Tim Mahoney
Agenda: Update from the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics

1:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Higher Education Capital Project Presentation and Bills:
Al Johnson, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Kathy O'Brien, University of Minnesota
HF191 (Anzelc) Rainy River Community College
HF283 (Brynaert) Southern MN women's hockey
HF859 (Rukavina) HEAPR projects
HFxxx (Rukavina) Higher education capital projects
HF 23 (Norton) Rochester community technical college steamline

1:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: University of Minnesota Oversight Review

Wednesday, February 25

8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: HF623 (Slocum) Charter school provisions modified, and charter school advisory council revived.
HF935 (Slocum) Charter school provisions modified.

A delete-everything amendment will be presented to combine these two bills. This hearing will focus on overview and discussion.

Thursday, February 26

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Institute on Race & Poverty: Myron Orfield - Presentation on
Integration & the Achievement Gap

8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: HF623 (Slocum) Charter school provisions modified, and charter school advisory council revived.
HF935 (Slocum) Charter school provisions modified.

Continuation of Wednesday's discussion, public testimony will be taken. Final action will be taken on the delete-everything amendment that combines the two bills.

12:30 PM
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection - interviews

Monday, March 2

7:00-10:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: U of M Finance 101

Tuesday, March 3

12:30 PM
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection - voting

Wednesday, March 4

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Testing and Assessments

6:00 PM
Joint Committee: House Finance and Ways and Means Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Rep. Loren Solberg
Agenda: Presentation of the February Forecast

Thursday, March 5

8:30 AM
Senate Committee on Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Richard J. Cohen
Agenda: February Forecast Briefing:
State Economist Tom Stinson
Commissioner Tom Hanson, Minnesota Management and Budget

8:30 AM
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Testing and Assessments

Friday, February 13, 2009

Budget town-hall hearings coming near you, Higher education budgets discussed, SMART alternative route to teaching, Saving students money

Taking the budget on the road
This week, the Minnesota House of Representatives launched a Web site for people to sign up to speak at one of the upcoming Town Hall Meetings to discuss the state’s budget. These meetings will be held throughout the state Feb. 19-26. House and Senate staff will make an effort to prioritize those that sign up ahead of time. The direct link for each Town Hall meeting with sign-up can be found at: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/budgettownhallmeetings.asp.

State lawmakers want to solicit the public’s ideas on how to move the state forward in this tough economic time. Below is a schedule of the upcoming town hall meetings. These meetings are a good opportunity for lawmakers to learn more about issues affecting the state, including higher education. Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, said each meeting will begin with a fiscal presentation from nonpartisan staff, and she is anticipating a good turnout. House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, said the meetings would be “bringing the Capitol to all of Minnesota.”

Thursday, Feb. 19
Mankato
Thursday, Feb. 19 - 6 p.m.
Mankato Intergovernmental Center-Mankato River Room
10 Civic Center Plaza

Rochester
Thursday, Feb. 19 - 6 p.m.
Rochester Community and Technical College-Heintz Center Commons Area
1926 Collegeview Road SE

St. Cloud
Thursday, Feb. 19 - 6 p.m.
St. Cloud City Hall-Council Chambers
400-2nd Street South

Willmar
Thursday, Feb. 19 - 6 p.m.
Kennedy Elementary School
824-7th Street SW

Friday, Feb. 20
Duluth
Friday, Feb. 20 - 9:30 a.m.
Duluth City Hall-Council Chambers
411 W 1st Street

Little Falls
Friday, Feb. 20 - 9:30 a.m.
Morrison County Government Center-Garden Level Meeting Room
213-1st Avenue SE

Albert Lea
Friday, Feb. 20 - 10:00 a.m.
Albert Lea City Hall-Council Chambers
221 E Clark Street

Brainerd
Friday, Feb. 20 - 10:30 a.m.
Washington Educational Services Building-Board Room
804 Oak Street

Worthington
Friday, Feb. 20 - 10:30 a.m.
Worthington City Hall-Council Chambers
303 Ninth Street

Virginia
Friday, Feb. 20 - 1:30 p.m.
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College-Small Auditorium
1001 Chestnut Street W

Marshall
Friday, Feb. 20 - 2:30 p.m.
Southwest Minnesota State University Lecture Hall
1501 State Street

Bemidji
Friday, Feb. 20 - 3:30 p.m.
Bemidji State University-American Indian Resource Center Gathering Place
1620 Birchmont Drive

Winona
Friday, Feb. 20 - 3:30 p.m.
Winona City Hall-Council Chambers
207 Lafayette

Alexandria
Note: Time Change
Friday, Feb. 20 - 4:00 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
704 Broadway

Metro Town Hall Meetings

Woodbury
Monday, Feb. 23 - 6:00 p.m.
Central Park Ampitheater
8595 Central Park Place

Minneapolis
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 6:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Park Board
2117 West River Road

Bloomington
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 7:00 p.m.
Bloomington City Hall
1800 W Old Shakopee Rd.

White Bear Lake
Wednesday, Feb. 25 - 6:30 p.m.
White Bear Lake High School-South Campus
3551 McKnight Rd N

Burnsville
Wednesday, Feb. 25 - 7:30 p.m.
Fairview Ridges Hospital
201 E Nicollet Blvd

St. Paul
Thursday, Feb. 26 - 6:00 p.m.
West Minnehaha Recreation Center in Frogtown
685 Minnehaha Ave W

Forest Lake
Thursday, Feb. 26 - 6:30 p.m.
Forest Lake City Hall
220 N. Lake St

Coon Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 26 - 7 p.m.
Coon Rapids City Hall
11155 Robinson Drive

Plymouth
Thursday, Feb. 26 - 7 p.m.
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd

Lawmakers dig deeper into higher education budgets
In an attempt to learn more about the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system budget, members of the Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division heard from system representatives about budget details. Manuel Lopez, associate vice chancellor for academic program quality, responded to questions about the system's centers of excellence, services for underserved populations, the Power of You program and competitive salaries. Another topic of discussion included the five performance funding goals the system met from 2007 session law, including increasing the number of students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses; increasing enrollment at the four Centers of Excellence; increasing the number of students trained on the use of electronic medical record technology; increasing the number of students taking online courses; and expanding the use of “awards of excellence” or other initiatives that reward faculty or staff for innovations designed to advance excellence and efficiency.

Lopez also described the results of ongoing funding for community energy projects at Inver Hills Community College, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, Minnesota West Community and Technical College and Riverland Community College. Also of interest to the committee was the funding received for economic development and e-Folio upgrade as well as the Northeast Higher Education District vocational education and the Range higher education needs study. In addition, members discussed the textbook pilot program. The system received $500,000 to start pilot projects at institutions to help reduce costs associated with textbooks. And finally, Lopez described the progress made on the degree requirement language from the 2007 session that capped credits for two-year programs at 60 credits and four-year programs at 120 credits. Lopez told members that the policy is new so there have been no formal waiver applications to the credit cap as of yet.

Joanne Chabot, deputy chief information officer for administrative systems, told committee members about the funding allocated for technology and said the major emphasis in fiscal year 2008 was procuring technology to replace obsolete and inadequate parts of the shared environment. As a direct result, Chabot said, the start of the fall semester this year was smooth for the first time in many years.

The University of Minnesota is scheduled to respond to detailed budget questions on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system will return to respond to remaining budget questions.

Private colleges weigh in on budget deficit
The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division heard from private colleges this week that public universities are not the only schools that have been hit hard by the economy.

Macalester College President Brian Rosenberg told members that the college’s endowment funds have shrunk and its fundraising environment is bad because of the economic recession. Rosenberg said roughly 70 percent of Macalester students receive some level of need-based financial aid, at least a portion of which is provided by the state of Minnesota. He said many capital projects are being slowed or halted, and most Macalester employees are likely to experience a wage freeze.

College of St. Catherine President Sr. Andrea Lee said students at her college often depend on state grants for access to higher education. Contrary to popular myth, she said, most students at private colleges do not come from wealthy families. Lee urged lawmakers not to cut funding for higher education as they look for solutions to the state’s budget deficit.

Governor's SMART proposal heard in the House
The House K-12 Policy and Oversight Committee heard about a proposal this week by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to recruit mid-career professionals to teach in K-12 classrooms. The governor’s proposal, known as SMART, “State of Minnesota Alternative Route to Teaching,” would begin a one-year teacher training program with the goal of recruiting mid-career professionals to teach math, science and other disciplines in which there are currently shortages of qualified K-12 teachers.

John Melick, director of education licensing for the Department of Education, presented the governor’s proposal to committee members. Under the SMART program, Melick said qualified individuals would attend a summer training program and then be provisionally employed as teachers while receiving additional training at night and on the weekends. They would then attend another summer program at the end of the school year, after which they would be eligible to receive their teaching license. The governor has recommended $500,000 to fund the program.

Lawmakers learn more about the Department of Employment and Economic Development
The Senate Economic Development and Housing Budget Division heard from Commissioner Dan McElroy, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) this week about the department’s budget. McElroy said DEED's goals center on creating and retaining jobs, cultivating entrepreneurs, enhancing community vitality, strengthening the workforce, fostering self-sufficiency and addressing economic change. He said DEED has three operational divisions - unemployment insurance, workforce development and business and community development.

McElroy said the unemployment insurance program area provides an economic stabilizer in times of economic downturn. He said that in 2008, about 214,000 Minnesotans were paid just over $1 billion in unemployment insurance benefits. Under current economic conditions, the fund will remain solvent through the first quarter of 2010. In the area of workforce development, the Minnesota job skills partnership program trained more than 13,000 workers and leveraged nearly $24 million in 2007, McElroy said. Youth programs provided services and training for approximately 10,000 of the state's neediest youth per year, he said with a return of $3.65 for every dollar invested. Other programs include vocational rehabilitation, services for the blind, independent living, extended employment and disability determination, McElroy said. And in the area of business and community development, McElroy said, the department made more than 700 direct contacts with companies to encourage growth and expansion, which resulted in 37 expansions with 1,800 new jobs. He said that in the entrepreneurship and small business development program area the agency helped create more than 6,000 jobs through direct services.

Senators learn of options to save students cost
The Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division focused on ways to help students reduce expenses this week. Discussion focused on post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO), which allows high school students to earn college credits, and higher education's efforts to help students graduate in four years.

Cyndy Crist, system director for P-16 collaboration, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, outlined the history of the PSEO program, which was established in 1985 as the nation’s first statewide dual-credit program. The program provides both high school and college credit, Crist said. She said the program provides tuition-free college-level learning opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. Crist said the colleges and universities determine the admissions standards, the space available and require completion of a placement test before enrolling.

Crist told committee members that PSEO initially was limited to high school students taking courses on college or university campuses, but later changed to include concurrent enrollment courses which is defined as a college or university course taught in the high school by a high school teacher with a college or university faculty partner/mentor to provide guidance and quality assurance.

Crist said all 32 institutions in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system enroll students in some form of PSEO. She said participation rates vary by location, but that most students are in greater Minnesota. She said 21,655 students participate in courses such as English, mathematics, social science and physical science.

Members also heard about the Discovery Academy, a partnership between St. Cloud Technical College and seven high schools including Sartell High School. Sandra Fabian, associate dean of academic and innovative partnerships at St. Cloud Technical College, told members that the Discovery Academy has 23 courses available to PSEO students at the seven high schools. Fabian told members the program gives students an opportunity to explore career opportunities and empowers students to achieve at the college level and make informed decisions about their next steps. Brenda Steve, principal at Sartell High School explained the program’s benefits. Steve said that the mentoring between college faculty and high school teachers is invaluable and improves the quality of teaching.

Also testifying about a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities PSEO initiative was Jill Abbott, associate dean of academic and student services at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Abbott explained the Online College in the High School program, which offers courses to public high school students in a distance learning format. The program allows students to remain in their high school building while they access online, college-level courses. The four participating colleges and universities are: Alexandria Technical College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Northland Community and Technical College and the University of Minnesota. Inger Wegener, career and technical education specialist with Lakes Country Service Cooperative, told committee members the program provids opportunities to students that previously did not exist because of location.

Another way to reduce college expenses for students that was discussed by the committee is the ongoing effort to help students graduate in four years. Sally Johnstone, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Winona State University, told members about a four-year graduation guarantee that began at the university in 1984. If students follow the framework laid out by the university, they will graduate in four years or the university will pick up the cost. This means that students must be highly motivated and cannot change majors midway through college. Committee members discussed why students separate from the four-year track, and Johnstone said the main reason is 60 to 70 percent of students change their major. Johnstone said students also work more so it takes longer to get through school.

Student regional rally days a success
Regional events, hosted by college and university student governments, the Minnesota State University Student Association, and the Minnesota State College Student Association, were held on state university campuses during the past week and will continue next week. The events were successful in both obtaining media coverage and building relationships with community members about the importance of public higher education.

In addition, many students attended the events, which gave them the opportunity to ask questions about how budget cuts could impact them and the campuses they attend. There was good turnout at all the events, including Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato, where more than 100 students attended. At Minnesota State University Moorhead, students played a higher education version of "The Price is Right."

Coming up next week is the student associations’ Student Advocacy Day Wednesday, Feb. 18. Students will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. followed by a rally in the Capitol rotunda, encouraging the Legislature to support public higher education and push for a positive future in Minnesota. Students will also visit their legislators that day.

Economic stimulus package passes the House
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $787 billion economic stimulus bill today by a 246-183 vote. Final Senate approval is expected later this evening or Saturday, where the bill will need at least three Republicans voting in favor to pass. In the House, no Republicans voted in favor of the bill. Seven Democrats voted against it (11 Democrats and all Republicans voted against the first bill). The plan is expected to assist Minnesota by saving or creating approximately 66,000 jobs. Highlights of the bill include:

• An increase of $500 to the maximum Pell Grant award over two years. The maximum award in 2009 will be $5,350, increasing to $5,550 in 2010, for an estimated 103,214 Minnesota students.

• A total of $53.6 billion is provided for a State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Of this amount $48.3 billion will be available to states for two purposes: 1) $40 billion will be available to restore state funding deficiencies for the fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 to the greater of either fiscal year 2008 or 2009 funding levels in the elementary and secondary education funding formula grants AND to the accounts that fund institutions of higher education. Those receiving funds through this account may use the funds for education and general expenditures in such a manner as to mitigate a rise in tuition and fees for in-state students or for building modernization efforts; and 2) the remaining $8 billion will be used by governors to support public safety and other government services that may include funds to elementary and secondary education, as well as institutions of higher education, and for modernization, renovation, or repair of buildings in these systems, including projects at higher education institutions with a recognized green rating system. The remaining $5 billion is available to governors for a State Incentive Grant that includes funding for state longitudinal system data collection.

  • A total of $250 million is provided for statewide data systems to include postsecondary and workforce information. Some of these funds will be used to support efforts focused on improved data coordination.
  • The measure provides an additional $200 million for the Federal Work Study program.
  • An additional $100 million is provided for the Teacher Quality Enhancement Program.
  • Higher education tax credits are increased to $2,500 (from the current level of $1,800) and allows that 40 percent of that credit be refundable for those low-income students who end up having no tax liability. Approximately 41,000 Minnesota students are expected to benefit from the tax credits.

Congressman Tim Walz, D-Minn, said about the bill, “I’m pleased to see that the funding I fought for was restored in the final version of the recovery package.” “This bill isn’t perfect, but the 3.5 million Americans whose livelihood relies on the jobs this bill will create and save certainly don’t want to see us let the perfect get in the way of the good. We're committed to turning this recession around and the recovery package is the first step.”

Congressman John Kline, R-Minn, who voted against the bill said, “A trillion-dollar borrow-and-spend bill will not bring us back to prosperity. This bill creates at least 32 new federal programs at a cost of more than $136 billion. Rather than jumpstarting the economy, this bill saddles our children and grandchildren with more debt and bigger government.”

New report shows higher education funding declining
Just after higher education institutions were beginning to recover from the 2002-2005 cuts, they are now hit with recessions, according to a new report. “Despite progress over the past three years, per student state and local support for public higher education has only recovered about half of the funding lost during the sharp downturn from 2002 to 2005,” noted Paul Lingenfelter, president of State Higher Education Executive Officers, or SHEEO. “All the signs in the current recession point toward further decline, renewing and accelerating the long term trend for public higher education to become more expensive for students and their families,” Lingefelter said.

The new report highlighting these trends can be found here. The report highlights trends during the past 20 years on higher education appropriations, net tuition revenue, total education revenue and full-time equivalent enrollments. It also highlights that as the nation goes into recession, higher education is the key to economic recovery.

Reggie Robinson, chair of SHEEO’s Executive Committee and President and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, said, “Sustained enrollment growth from 7.4 million to 10.4 million full-time equivalent students over the past 20 years underscores the growing importance of public higher education to the American people and our economy. Even higher rates of participation and better rates of student success are needed to help Americans compete in a knowledge economy. Our colleges and universities are stepping up to this challenge, but in the long run their success will depend both on their dedication and on the capacity and willingness of the states to stabilize and sustain financial support.”

Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.

Monday, February 16
11 a.m.
Senate in Session

12:30 p.m.
Senate Buiness, Industry and Jobs
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. James P. Metzen
Agenda: Federal stimulus package discussion

1:00 p.m.
House in Session

Tuesday, February 17
8:30 a.m.
House K-12 Education Policy Committee
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: Business community perspectives on education
Steve Waters, Vice President of Sales, Marathon Multimedia
Laura Eckholm, Senior Vice President, L & M Radiator
Chip Emery, retired CEO, MTS
Dick Pentingill, CEP Allina

10:30 a.m.
House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Tim Mahoney
Agenda: Presentation from Southern Minnesota Regional Competitiveness Partnership

11:15 a.m.
Senate Capital Investment
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Keith Langseth
Agenda: Discussion of Asset Preservation needs for potential 2009 Bonding bill.

1 p.m.
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: University of Minnesota Oversight Review

1 p.m.
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Detailed look at DOLI's revenues and expenditures

Wednesday, February 18
8:30 a.m.
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: MDE: Education portion of the federal stimulus

10:30 a.m.
House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Tim Mahoney
Agenda: Green Jobs Task Force Report
HF680 (Kalin) Federal stimulus funding allocated for energy programs.

12:30 p.m.
Senate Committee on Business, Industry and Jobs
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. James P. Metzen
Agenda: Green Jobs Task Force Report and Action Plan

2:45 p.m.
House K-12 Education Finance Division
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mindy Greiling
Agenda: Education provisions of federal stimulus bill

Thursday, February 19
8:30 p.m.
Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf
Agenda: Growth & Justice: Smart Investments in Minnesota's students

6:00 p.m.
Meeting Time Note: Each meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
House and Senate Budget Listening Sessions
Room: Locations listed below
Agenda:
Mankato Intergovernmental Center - Mankato River Room, 10 Civic Center Plaza
Rochester Community and Technical College - Heintz Center Commons Area, 1926 Collegeview Rd. S.E.
St. Cloud City Hall - Council Chambers, 400 Second St. S.
Willmar - Kennedy Elementary School, 824 Seventh St. S.W.

Friday, February 20
12:30 p.m.
Senate Committee on Taxes
Room: Comstock Memorial Union, Moorhead State University
Chair: Sen. Thomas M. Bakk
Agenda: Governor's biennial budget recommendations

No Time Available check time note
House and Senate Budget Listening Sessions
Room: Locations and times listed below
Agenda:
9:30 a.m.
Duluth City Hall - Council Chambers, 411 W. First St.

9:30 a.m.
Little Falls; Morrison County Government Center - Garden Level Meeting Room, 213 First Ave. S.E.

10 a.m.
Albert Lea City Hall - Council Chambers, 221 E. Clark St.

10:30 a.m.
Brainerd; Washington Educational Services Building - Board Room, 804 Oak St.
Worthington City Hall - Council Chambers, 303 Ninth St.

12:30 p.m.
Minnesota State University Moorhead - Comstock Union, 1104 Seventh Ave. S.

1:30 p.m.
Virginia; Mesabi Range Community and Technical College - Small Auditorium, 1001 Chestnut St. W.

2:30 p.m.
Marshall; Southwest Minnesota State University - Lecture Hall, 1501 State St.

3:30 p.m.
Bemidji State University - American Indian Resource Center Gathering Place, 1620 Birchmont Dr.

3:30 p.m.
Winona City Hall - Council Chambers, 207 Lafayette

4 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall, 704 Broadway

Monday, February 23
3 p.m.
Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight - Subcommittee on
Elections
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Katie Sieben
Agenda:
S.F. 661-Pappas: Postsecondary institutions resident student information report to secretary of state for voter registration purposes expansion; voter registration enhanced access to voter registration records and records of returned absentee ballots on the world wide.

S.F. 660-Marty: Automatic voter registration for driver’s license applicants; secretary of state additional data requirement from public officials for voter registration system maintenance.

S.F. 157-Rest: Presidential primary establishment; campaign finance and public disclosure public official definition expansion; soil and water conservation district supervisors election provisions modifications; primary election voter eligibility requirements.

S.F. 278-Rest: United States senate or representative in congress and state legislature vacancy election procedures modifications.

Tuesday, February 24
10:30 a.m.
House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Tim Mahoney
Agenda: Update from the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics

Thursday, February 26
12:30 p.m.
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection

Tuesday, March 3
12:30 p.m.
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection

Wednesday, March 4
February Economic Forecast Released

Thursday, March 5
8:30 a.m.
Senate Committee on Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Richard J. Cohen
Agenda: February Forecast Briefing:
State Economist Tom Stinson
Commissioner Tom Hanson, Minnesota Management and Budget

Friday, February 6, 2009

Cuts discussed, State pushes fed to support higher ed, college affordability report, media events

Many higher education advocates discuss potential cuts to the system with lawmakers
Students and faculty with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system testified earlier this week in front of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget cuts to the system. Jennifer Weil, vice-chair of the Minnesota State University Student Association, or MSUSA, said she is concerned about budget cuts for the upcoming biennium because students still are paying the price for the cuts made to the system in 2003. Weil said student debt and borrowing has become the norm. She also told committee members that colleges and universities play a key role in rebuilding the economy. Also testifying for MSUSA were Cody Nelson, a recent graduate of Bemidji State University, and Arron Olson, a student at Southwest Minnesota State University. Nelson said he is concerned about the debt load students are carrying as well as the quality of education if cuts are made to programs and student services. Olson said he is concerned for the long-term health of education.

Jacob Littler, president of the Minnesota State College Student Association, or MSCSA, said 90 percent of the last round of budget cuts was made up by student tuition increases. He said that although tuition increases had been minimized in recent years, the system's two-year colleges still pay the second-highest tuition rate in the nation among comparable schools. Travis Johnson, an online student at Lake Superior College, told members that he works 55 hours a week and therefore he takes his courses online. Johnson said he is worried what cuts would mean to online opportunities. Kary Bowser, vice president of MSCSA and also a student at Century College, asked the committee to make public higher education a priority.

Also testifying were faculty from the Inter Faculty Organization, or IFO, and the Minnesota State College Faculty, or MSCF. Cindy Phillips, a business professor and president of the faculty association at Minnesota State University Moorhead, complimented the university's strategy for preparing for future cuts. She highlighted what is happening on the campus, including a hiring freeze and putting 10 searches on hold. She also said they have identified 22 vital positions that will not be filled, including two in nursing. Greg Mulcahy, president of MSCF, told members that when a system is being cut, the focus needs to be on what is central, teaching and learning. You may watch the complete hearing here.

In the Senate later in the week, the Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division also heard about the impact from the governor’s proposed cuts. Susan Heegaard, executive director, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, said the governor's focus is on maintaining high priority areas for both systems with minimal impact to students. Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Cloud, asked Heegaard how cuts of this magnitude, $146 million to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and $151 million to the University of Minnesota, would not affect students. Latz said that even if tuition increases are minimal, if class sections and student services are cut, students will see some impact. Heegaard responded that the governor feels it is critical that higher education look at efficiencies and innovation first, and as a last resort look at increases in tuition.

Trustee Clarence Hightower, a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, said the board will follow three key principles as it thoughtfully makes decisions regarding the proposed shortfall: Decisions will be made in a way that best serve students, the economic development needs of the communities and state will be taken into account, and the board will take a multiyear approach to position the system for long-term financial viability.

Chancellor James McCormick said higher education is key to the economic recovery of the state. McCormick went on to say that the state's colleges and universities are the places where laid-off workers will turn to learn new skills for new jobs, from short-term programs to associate, bachelor's and graduate degree programs. Laura King, vice chancellor for finance and CFO, said despite the challenges being faced, the system is committed to strengthening partnerships and collaborations to increase productivity to meet the needs of students.

The February forecast, which is expected to project an even larger state deficit than the already estimated $4.8 billion, is tentatively scheduled to be released March 4. We are still in the early stages of the process as lawmakers and the governor grapple with how best to lead the state to economic recovery.

Committee deadlines announced
The House and Senate approved a resolution this week setting five committee deadlines for the 2009 session:

  • March 27 - Committees act favorably on bills in the house of origin.
  • April 7 - Committees act favorably on bills, or companion of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.
  • April 16 - Divisions of House and Senate finance committees act favorably on omnibus appropriation bills.
  • April 22 - House and Senate finance and tax committees, and the House Ways and Means Committee, act favorably on omnibus appropriation and tax bills.
  • May 7 - Conference committees on omnibus appropriations and tax bills must report bills to the floor.

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said the intention is to have all budget, finance and tax bills sent to the governor by May 12, six days before members must constitutionally adjourn.

State higher education leaders push federal government for a ‘New Deal for the New Millenium for Higher Education’

Recognizing that higher education is the key to economic recovery, the Minnesota Higher Education committee chairs pushed for federal action this week. The chairs, Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL- St. Paul, and Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, authored a bill that calls for $70 billion of federal relief for states to rebuild public higher education and increase access by establishing college-going grants similar to the World War II-era GI Bill of Rights and providing student loan debt forgiveness for all students who take jobs in public service. You may read the complete text here.

College deemed necessary for success, while affordability comes into question
College students are getting squeezed tighter in these bleak economic times, yet tuition prices keep rising. A new report, “Squeeze Play 2009: The Public’s View on College Costs Today,” said 55 percent of Americans think that college is necessary for students to get a well-paying job. However, only 29 percent of responders felt that students had an opportunity to attend college. Patrick M. Callan, president of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, described the results as sobering. “This a red flag for policymakers and college leaders. Most Americans believe in the value of getting to college and getting a degree, yet the public increasingly feels that college is out of reach for many people who deserve to go,” Callan said. Callan continued, “It points to a growing sense of unfairness about the economy and American society today.” Click here to view a copy of the report.

Regional media events gain higher education support
The Minnesota State College Student Association has teamed up with the Minnesota State University Student Association to make higher education a priority in the state by holding media events at university campuses. Students were in Bemidji Thursday to ask the state to invest in higher education.

“With the job market becoming increasingly competitive every day, obtaining a postsecondary education is, and will continue to be, an essential stepping stone for today’s young people entering the workforce and non-traditional students seeking career advancement,” said Ryan Schwingler, co-president of the Bemidji State University Student Association Student Senate. “Not only is an accessible and quality education essential for prospective employees, but it’s important for the state of Minnesota as well,” Schwingler said.

Also at the event was Bemidji Mayor Richard Lehmann, who said it is critical that higher education is funded at a higher, adequate level. Chris Brown, president of the Bemidji State University Faculty Association, noted, “I think the state needs to reinvest in public education.”
To read the whole article on this event, please visit The Bemidji Pioneer.

The Bemidji press conference was the first of many events. You may learn more about the upcoming press conferences below. The students would like to work with administration, faculty and staff to make these events successful. For more information, please contact Jason Fossum, 651-297-5877.

Location: Southwest Minnesota State University
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10
Theme: Buck Tuition
Details: A press conference will be held at 11 a.m. in the Ballroom. Immediately after the press conference, student organizations and academic departments will showcase their concerns about the economy in the Student Union.

Location: Minnesota State University Moorhead
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
Theme: The Price is Right
Details: A press conference will be held at 11 a.m. in the Ballroom. Immediately after the press conference, students will play a higher education version of “The Price is Right.”

Location: Minnesota State University, Mankato
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
Theme: Hope for Higher Education
Details: A press conference will be held at 3 p.m. in the Student Union, with a student event to be held immediately after the press conference.

Location: Winona State University
Date: Friday, Feb. 13
Theme: Crashed Economy
Details: A press conference will be held at 12 p.m. in the Student Union. Students will hold an event immediately after the press conference in the courtyard outside the Student Union, which will center around a smashed car.

Location: Minnesota State Capitol
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18
Theme: Where Will Minnesota Be in 2030?
Details: A press conference will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the State Capitol, immediately followed by a student rally in the rotunda from 1 to 2 p.m. Students will work to illustrate the importance of access and affordability, as well as how graduates of state colleges and universities impact Minnesota.

Location: St. Cloud State University
Date: Thursday, Feb. 19
Theme: The Game of Life

Federal stimulus bill update
As reported last week, the House passed its $819 billion version of the economic stimulus package last week. The Senate is expected to vote as soon as tonight on its version of the bill, which as of last night had grown to $920 billion. Moderates from both parties tried all day Thursday to agree on cuts to the bill in hopes of garnering enough votes for passage today. Most Republicans and some Democrats say the bill is too big and would like it reduced. The Democrats will need at least 60 votes in the Senate to pass the bill, which means they will have to gain the support of at least two Republicans and probably more. After the Senate passes the bill, House and Senate negotiators will meet in conference committee to iron out the differences. The two bodies will then vote on the single package. President Obama was hoping to have the bill by the end of next week.

As you may recall this bill has both funding for higher education operations and infrastructure. What the final package will look like is still to be determined. You may find more detailed information about the economic stimulus at www.ncsl.org/statefed/2009economicstimulus.htm.

Handy resources

Did you know that daily and weekly legislative updates are also in blog form? You may find them here. Daily updates are found on the home page and weekly updates are found under the “Legislative” tab.

You can listen to Senate hearing archives on your computer here. Prior House hearings can be found here. You can also watch any live hearing or floor session by clicking on the “watch live video” link in the left hand bar on either of these pages.

You can advocate for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by becoming a member of the Friends Action Network, or FAN. By being a member of the FAN, you will have an opportunity to write your state legislators and the governor. You can also share your thoughts on how higher education is the key to economic recovery. To join, sign up here.


Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.


Monday, February 9
10:00 AM
Senate in Session

1:00 PM
House in Session

3:00 PM
Senate Economic Development and Housing Budget Division
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. David J. Tomassoni
Agenda:
Public Facilities Authority
Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)

3:00 PM
Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Ann H. Rest
Agenda:
S.F. 334-Prettner Solon: State employee veterans with service-related disabilities additional sick leave provision.
S.F. 233-Bakk: Constitutional amendment to change method to propose amendments to the state constitution.
S.F. 307-Olseen: Local government out-of-state travel policy requirements modification.
Presentation on Association of Minnesota Counties – Minnesota Redesign Project

Tuesday, February 10
8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: Presentation of Governor's College of Education Reforms
Testimony from Colleges of Teacher Education, U of M researcher, the Bush Foundation

12:30 PM
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: Discussion of PSEO options at MnSCU and "College in the Schools" at U of M;
Discussion of Systems' tools & strategies for promoting student graduation within four years.

1:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Detailed look at DEED's revenues and expenditures

6:15 PM
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mary Murphy
Agenda: Approval of Prior Commission Meeting Minutes
Designated Commission Interim Study; Review of the Commission's Principles of Pension Policy: Final Consideration
Governor's Proposal to Change Retirement Plan Coverage for Secure Facility Employees
Minnesota Management & Budget
Election of 2009-2010 Commission Officers
Other items as designated by the Commission chair

Wednesday, February 11
8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: Presentation of Governor's State of Minnesota Mid-Career Alternative Route to Teaching (SMART) proposal

Thursday, February 12
8:30 AM
House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: SciMathMN presentation on setting priorities for STEM education, recommendations from Minnesota's TIMSS participation
Discussion of Math and Science Teacher Academies

1:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and University of Minnesota respond to budget questions

1:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Minnesota Private Education: Private College Council, Cappella University, Career College Association

2:45 PM
House Capital Investment Finance Division
Room: Basement Hearing Room
Chair: Rep. Alice Hausman
Agenda: Bonding updates:
Public Facilities Authority
Department of Employment and Economic Development
Board of Water and Soil Resources

Tuesday, February 17
12:30 PM
Senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: To be announced

1:00 PM
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Representative Tom Rukavina
Agenda: Detailed look at DOLI's revenues and expenditures

Thursday, February 26
12:30 PM
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection

Tuesday, March 3
12:30 PM
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committees
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Sen. Sandra L. Pappas
Agenda: U of M Regent selection