Legislative Notes for the Week of February 9 - February 13, 2004

Lawmakers "Pick-Up the Pace"

A flurry of bills were introduced this week at the Legislature, which means there will be action in the Education and Higher Education committees. Hearings are being scheduled in both the House and Senate so watch the calendar. No deadlines have been posted.

Trustees and Chancellor Present Bonding Request

Board Chair Jim Luoma and Chancellor McCormick presented the Board's $274.9 million bonding request to the Senate Education Committee this week. Luoma reminded senators of the priority process used by the Board. McCormick urged committee members to view the governor's recommendation of $88.6 million as a good start but not enough. Associate Vice Chancellor Al Johnson outlined each project and answered questions by committee members. Also testifying on behalf of the Board's request were students Missi McLaren , Jeff Hewood , Leah Haddad, Sam Edmunds, Becky Rothmeier , and Derek Hudyma. The students supported the bonding list of the Board of Trustees but were very concerned about the tuition implications of paying for debt service on the state bonds. McLaren told senators that within state government, only college students had to pay for their buildings.

Students On The Hill

February 11 was "lobby day" for more than 350 state college and university students this week. Students made appointments with lawmakers to press for projects on their campuses. Students are very effective in telling the story because they know firsthand the facility needs at the campus. Legislators appreciate hearing from constituents and they know that students vote. Chancellor McCormick thanked the students for their commitment and help with the bonding bill.

Doctoral Degrees at State Universities

Representative Joe Opatz (DFL - St. Cloud) introduced legislation (HF 2075) allowing the state universities to offer "applied doctoral degrees." The legislation would expand the mission of state universities to include applied doctoral degrees but would require a recommendation of the House and Senate committees on education, finance and ways and means before they could be offered. Applied doctoral degrees are generally associated with educational administration and educational psychology. As school superintendents and college administration positions become vacant, the need increases for these degree programs that are accessible in greater Minnesota. Options for doctoral students now include private colleges for-profit colleges, and the University of Minnesota.

Vote to Leave System?

Legislation allowing students and faculty to vote to leave the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and report directly to the legislature was introduced by Senator Dave Kleis (R - St. Cloud) this week. The bill would allow votes by full-time students, tenured faculty and the president to decide whether to be independent. The governor would appoint a 15-member board to govern the institution and the institution would be guaranteed the base funding amount per student from the Legislature. Each institution would negotiate a contract with employees and provide health insurance. No hearings have been scheduled.

Easier Teaching License

House and Senate education committees are working on new and easier ways to get a teaching license in Minnesota. The No Child Left Behind federal law will not allow teaching in subjects without proper licensing. Minnesota has 96 percent compliance, but there are still exceptions. The state Department of Education has a proposal to assess a teacher's credentials and demonstration of knowledge. The Board of Teaching is also developing an assessment process with flexibility. There appears to be a conflict between the various processes to grant temporary licenses. Sonja Schmieder , Teacher Education Specialist from the Office of the Chancellor, has been attending the hearings to monitor changes that may become law.

Tuition Reciprocity Study

Representative Joe Opatz (DFL - St. Cloud) and Senator Ann Rest (DFL - New Hope) introduced legislation (HF1872 and SF1825) requiring data collection on students who attend Minnesota postsecondary institutions under reciprocity agreements to see if they are employed in Minnesota after graduation. The bill also requires the tuition reciprocity program be reauthorized in law every five years, mandates a Minnesota - South Dakota tuition reciprocity payment, and reallocates the tuition amount in the Minnesota - North Dakota reciprocity agreement. The bill will be heard in both the House and Senate Higher Education committees this coming week.

Federal Funding Outlook

Trustees from community colleges across the nation learned details of the President's budget this week in Washington, DC. The Association of Community College Trustees heard that funding would be very limited and that a projected federal deficit of $500 billion would eliminate many programs. Programs including the Carl Perkins Vocational Act, Workforce Investment Act, and the Higher Education Act could be reduced or eliminated to fund the elementary-secondary No Child Left Behind law. A group of trustees from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities visited all 10 members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation to express concerns over funding levels. Trustee Mary Choate is a member of the ACCT Board of Directors.