Legislative Notes for the Week of February 23 - February 27, 2004

State Budget Slightly Better!

An improvement of $25 million at the State Treasury reduced the projected deficit from $185 million to $160 million, according to Finance Commissioner Peggy Ingison on Friday. That is good news. Economists are anticipating a robust 4.8 percent improvement in the U.S. economy, which would be the fastest rebound in 20 years. The change was less than one-tenth of a percent from the fall 2003 prediction, which means the finance model for the state of Minnesota is tracking the economy very well. Ingison provided no details on how Gov. Tim Pawlenty would address the $160 million shortfall. Hopefully, there will be no additional cuts from higher education.

Employee Contracts Moving Forward

Final legislative approval of state employee contracts is a lengthy and complicated process that began with a preliminary approval by a special House-Senate Committee before the 2004 session started. This week, the House Government Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee voted to move the contract forward. There were very few questions and no controversy with the approval. Senate action is anticipated within two weeks.

House Talks to "Student Soldiers" in Bosnia

When the Minnesota National Guard units last year were notified they would be deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo, there were 600 students among them enrolled in state college and university programs. Adjutant General Larry Shellito (then president of Alexandria Technical College) asked for consideration of an online way for soldiers to continue their education. Associate Vice Chancellor Gary Langer and a team of college and university staff created a Guard Online program, offering an array of courses for eligible soldiers deployed during fall 2003 and spring 2004. On Monday, Chancellor James McCormick and Senior Vice Chancellor Linda Baer told members of the House Higher Education Committee and Chair Rep. Doug Stang (R - Cold Spring) how the program was working, and the committee was able to interact directly through a videoconferencing link with two student soldiers serving in Bosnia. Speaker of the House Rep. Steve Sviggum (R - Kenyon) also attended the hearing, and he and Rep. Stang praised the cooperation between the National Guard and the 11 colleges and universities participating in the program.

Bonding Request Presented

Chancellor McCormick and Associate Vice Chancellor Al Johnson presented the list of capital bonding projects to the House Capital Investment Committee this week. Chairman Phil Krinkie (R - Shoreview) and committee members asked questions and reviewed each of the 32 projects on the Board of Trustees request. Krinkie will begin drafting the House bill next week. There was no action on the bonding request in the Senate this week.

Financial Aid Cuts Hurt Public College Students

Students in public colleges and universities were disproportionately hurt by budget balancing changes in student financial aid according to representatives from the Higher Education Services Office. Chris Halling, director of financial aid for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, said HESO is projecting an $11 million to $20 million surplus in the program. This is based on legislative cuts in seven major financial aid programs, totaling $31 million. If there is a surplus, the funds could be recycled back in the areas where the financial aid was cut, or the Legislature could recapture the funds for other programs in the state budget or for the deficit.

Still Short Nurses

Senators are looking at legislation to increase funding for nursing programs next year. Last session, the state colleges and universities requested funding to prepare an additional 400 nurses and 40 nursing educators to teach in the programs. Mary Rothchild, project manager for strategic partnerships in the Office of the Chancellor, testified about the statewide shortage and waiting lists at colleges and universities. Marylin Loen, executive director of the Metropolitan State University School of Nursing, and nursing student Linette Crows Heart of Minneapolis Community and Technical College testified on the need for increased enrollment in nursing programs. Senators also are looking at a financial aid and loan forgiveness programs for nurses and allied health educators. Currently, 78 percent of all new nurse graduates are from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

Rochester Day at the Capitol

More than 300 citizens attended "Rochester Day" Wednesday at the State Capitol. Rochester Community and Technical College President Don Supalla and Winona State University Associate Vice President Christine Clements came with the group and attended hearings and meetings with legislators.

Deadlines Maybe - Finally

Lawmakers are eager to complete their work and return to their families, jobs, and the campaign. To do that, the legislature needs to set deadlines for bills to get out of committee. We have heard rumors that March 12 is the House deadline. However, the Senate has to agree with the dates.