Saint Paul, Minnesota - House Republicans unveiled their omnibus higher education bill today. The bill shortchanges Minnesota students – especially those at the University of Minnesota. Despite a $2 billion surplus, the bill includes no tuition assistance for the University of Minnesota, guaranteeing tuition increases for tens of thousands of Minnesota students. Although the bill would fund a tuition freeze for two-year MnSCU campuses, students at four-year campuses would likely experience a tuition increase in 2016.
House DFL Leader Paul Thissen released the following statement:
“We have a $2 billion surplus. Yet, the Republican plan guarantees tuition will increase, debt will escalate, and it will be more expensive for hardworking Minnesota students to get a degree and get ahead. That is unacceptable, especially since the Republicans are favoring tax cuts for their special interests friends over Minnesota's future - its students.
Two years ago Governor Dayton and the DFL-led legislature froze tuition for all Minnesota public colleges and that was with the state facing a $627 million deficit and the need to repay the school shift. After a decade of steep tuition hikes the cost of a higher education is still too steep for many families and students. If we want Minnesota to continue its competitive edge we need to make college more affordable – not less.
"This comes down to priorities. We believe that with a $2 billion surplus we should make college more affordable for all hardworking students. Unfortunately, Republicans would rather give $2 billion in tax breaks away that largely benefit corporate special interests.”