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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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Rep. Fritz supports more funding for Higher Education
St. Paul, MN – Representative Patti Fritz voted against the Higher Education budget brought forward by House Republicans today, arguing that it hurts Minnesota students by once again increasing tuition and fees at college campuses throughout the state.
"This budget severely under funds higher education in Minnesota," said Fritz. "There is no doubt there will be another round of double digit tuition increases and growing student loan debt they will take with them when they graduate."
Estimates suggest that over the next two years tuition at the University of Minnesota could increase as much as 16 percent and at MnSCU up to 20 percent, under the proposed House Republican higher education budget. Over a five-year period tuition at the University has increased by 80 percent, and over 55% at MnSCU campuses.
South Central Technical College saw a tuition increase in 2002 of 7.14%, followed by 11 % in '03, 13.2% in '04 and 13% in '05.
"Our students just can't afford another two years of double-digit increases," said Fritz. "This budget will put higher education out of reach for many students and their families."
Fritz is also concerned that this bill takes money from health and human services, especially insurance for the poor and working class Minnesotans.
"We have to stop the trend of robbing Peter to pay Paul," said Fritz. "We need to find a better way to fund higher education than dropping deserving people from their health care."
"Clearly, this budget is the wrong direction for Minnesota."
The bill passed and will now meet the Senate bill in Conference Committee, where differences between the two bills will be worked out before moving on to the Governor.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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