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State Representative Tina Liebling
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0573
For more information contact: Charlie Vander Aarde 651-297-8406
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RCTC SLASHED IN GOP’S HIGHER ED BUDGET - WORST CUTS EVER TO HIGHER ED
(ST. PAUL) – The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the omnibus higher education bill today. State Representative Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) explained how the bill harms higher education in Rochester.
“This Republican higher education budget slashes over $6 million in funding to RCTC," explained Liebling.
The bill makes reductions of $201 million to the MnSCU system representing a 15.9% cut, and reductions of $227 million to the University of Minnesota, a 17.7% cut. The bill also caps tuition at 2% at MnSCU colleges and 4% at MnSCU universities.
“This bill cuts the two biggest sources of revenue for RCTC - tuition and state support,” explained Liebling. “The tuition cap sounds good, but it means students will receive fewer academic support services, fewer degree programs, and fewer course offerings.”
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks told legislators that budget cuts might force the university to close the Rochester campus. “We need to maintain the U’s presence and keep the strategic partnership with Mayo strong. These cuts are shortsighted and ill-advised today and tomorrow.”
MnSCU told legislators that it would balance its budget under this level of funding by: cancelling courses, laying off instructors, eliminating programs, admitting fewer students and reduce research funding. “State appropriations will be at 1998 levels even though our schools are serving more students,” said Liebling. “Our state needs to adequately fund higher education to grow our economy now and 5, 10, 25 years from now.”
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News Items
- Rep. Tina Liebling Named Chair of House Health and Human Services Policy Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Statement on DEED Bonding Project Announcement - (Posted: 2012-09-13 00:00:00)
- Local Legislators to Hold Town Hall Meeting - (Posted: 2012-07-19 00:00:00)
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