STATE OF MINNESOTA FIRST MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION
HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND
FINANCE DIVISION
MINUTES
Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Policy and Finance Division, called the meeting to order at 12:35 P.M. on, Wednesday, January 10, 2007, in Room 5 of the State Office Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members present:
Rukavina, Tom, Chair
Poppe, Jeanne, Vice-Chair
Atkins, Joe
Bly, David
Brynaert, Kathy
Clark, Karen
Dettmer, Bob
Eastlund, Rob
Gunther, Bob
Haws, Larry
Hortman, Melissa
McFarlane, Carol
Mahoney, Tim
Moe, Frank
Murphy, Mary
Nornes, Bud
Norton, Kim
Ruth, Connie
Severson, Dan
Slocum, Linda
Welti, Andy
A quorum was present.
Representative Rukavina went over the committee procedures. Members and staff introduced themselves.
Doug Berg, Fiscal Analyst, presented a brief overview. Handouts were provided.
Representative Rukavina told members to contact Doug Berg and Ron Soderberg, both Fiscal Analysts, with any questions regarding the budget, and reminded members that they are non-partisan staff that work for all of the committee members, as well as the entire membership of the House. Representative Rukavina also reminded members that Kathy Novak from House Research is also non-partisan and is the contact in House Research for Higher Education Finance and Workforce Development for all members and staff.
Scott Formo, President of the Minnesota State College Student Association and student at Alexandria Technical College, provided testimony regarding his personal experiences with Minnesota's higher education and financial aid systems.
Tyler Slinger, student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Detroit Lakes Campus, provided testimony regarding his personal experiences with Minnesota's higher education and financial aid systems. Mr. Slinger responded to members' questions.
David Attarsaheli, student at St. Cloud Community and Technical College, provided testimony regarding his personal experience with Minnesota's higher education and financial aid systems. Mr. Attarsaheli responded to members' questions.
Jacob Littler, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, provided testimony regarding his personal experiences with Minnesota's higher education and financial aid systems. Mr. Littler responded to members' questions.
Karen Bidwell, South Central College, Mankato Campus, provided testimony regarding his personal experiences with Minnesota's higher education and financial aid systems. Ms. Bidwell responded to members' questions.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 P.M.
Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair
Susan Scott, Committee Legislative Assistant