Dear Neighbors,
On Wednesday, April 3, Governor Tim Walz delivered his first-ever State of the State Address. Speaking on the floor of the Minnesota House Chamber, he shared the hopes, dreams, and challenges of our neighbors and communities across the state. He told specific personal stories of Minnesotans he knows and has recently met, including small business owners, working families, veterans, and more. It was a powerful address that was unscripted and straight from the heart. The Star Tribune’s coverage of the address is here.
As we focus on the end-of-session negotiations with the Senate, I will be keeping the Governor’s unifying One Minnesota message in mind. |
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The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee last week announced our new budget that puts students first by making college more affordable, reducing debt, and improving health and safety on campus. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are 775,000 Minnesotans with student debt totaling $27.1 billion.
As the Chair of this committee, I have been focused on putting students and families first. This is reflected in our higher education budget. |
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The budget freezes tuition for Minnesota students at all of the state’s two- and four-year public colleges and universities, and increases financial support for working families by investing an additional $35.4 million in the state grant program. As a result, full-time students who benefit from the state grant program will receive on average more than $400 per year more in financial assistance, and 1,900 Minnesotans will become eligible for the first time.
To help keep students safe and healthy, we are also prioritizing access to mental health services and legal advocacy support for sexual assault survivors. Additionally, the budget aims to end food insecurity among students.
All Minnesotans deserve access to the education and job training they need to get jobs with wages and benefits that will support their families. Our bold plan will help achieve better economic results for Minnesotans. I look forward to advancing this forward looking budget to benefit students and families across the state.
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Stay in Touch
Please continue to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. It is an honor to represent our community at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative
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