Dear Neighbors,
Less than three weeks are left in the 2019 session. The House has held up its end of the bargain with the Senate and the Governor to complete budget work by May 1.
As the Higher Education Finance and Policy Division Chair, I’d like to highlight our committee’s budget, in addition to another important bill moving forward to help displaced Argosy students.
Higher Education Budget
The Minnesota House approved this week our higher education budget that would freeze tuition at the state’s two and four year public colleges and universities. Our bipartisan plan makes college more affordable, reduces debt, expands opportunities for low income and nontraditional students, and improves 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.
We’re also increasing 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 more than 6,000 Minnesotans will become eligible for the first time.
All Minnesotans deserve access to the education and job training they need to get jobs with wages and benefits that will support their families. Too many students face the prospect of taking on significant student loan debt to pursue a college education. College should be more affordable and our tuition freeze would help. You can read more about the bill from our nonpartisan office of House Public Information. |
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Helping Displaced Argosy Students
Legislation I’ve chief authored related to delivering financial relief to Argosy students is advancing. Close to 1,000 students, who were enrolled at Argosy University Twin Cities when it abruptly shut its doors on March 8 were about halfway through the spring semester. In addition to their education being disrupted, students also did not receive grant and loan funds they were depending on to pay living and miscellaneous expenses. My bill would give the Minnesota Office of Higher Education the authority to release Argosy students from liability for any Minnesota SELF student loans for the spring 2019 semester, and pay them directly for other state financial aid. The Governor is expected to sign the bill into law upon passage in the House and Senate. |
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Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me with questions, comments, or input on state matters. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative |
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