U and the legislature

2005 legislative session

Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the $2.8 billion higher education budget bill May 26. The bill will provide $105.6 million in new funding to the University for the next biennium. Among the top funding priorities for the University are competitive compensation for the faculty, improved student services, and investing in research initiatives at the Twin Cities campus.

Although the higher education appropriation falls short of the University's $126 million request, it provides the University with new funds for investing in biosciences research and attracting and retaining talented students and faculty.

“We’re grateful to lawmakers and legislative leaders for making higher education their first budget priority," said University president Robert Bruininks in a May 20 statement. "After devastating cuts in the last couple of years, this budget will help the University make critical new investments in students and promising areas of research. It will also help us avoid the kind of tuition increases we’ve had in recent years."

Earlier this spring legislators also approved nearly $112 million in capital improvement projects for the University, including the Kolthoff Hall renovation. The bill was signed by the governor April 11.

Advocate for the U

Thank you for your strong support during the 2005 legislative session. Your letters, phone calls, emails, and visits to the capitol helped convince legislators to reverse the trend of cuts to the University and higher education.

Please continue to help us build support for the University among legislators and Minnesota citizens.

How you can help

• Take an active role in the University of Minnesota Legislative Network
• Get the latest updates on the current legislative session
• Contact your legislators using the District Finder

Questions? Contact Liz Stadther at stadt001@umn.edu.