House Republicans released their budget plan Tuesday, which includes a $2 billion in unspecified tax
cuts, according to the Star Tribune.
The proposal is also $3 billion less than Gov. Mark Dayton’s plan, and reduces his request for additional
new resources by $775 million, according to the Star Tribune.
House Ways and Means Chairman Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, told the Star Tribune the Republican’s
proposed budget would only allow for a tuition freeze at either the University of Minnesota or the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler said in a press release Tuesday that he is concerned there
may not be enough money provided to continue a tuition freeze for the University resident
undergraduate students, as well as offer a similar freeze for graduate students who pay in-state tuition.
“Our top priority this session has been tuition affordability for our students and their families,” Kaler
said in the release. “In order to accomplish that shared goal, we need strong partnership from the
Legislature. Funding is limited, but I will continue to advocate strongly for University of Minnesota
students and their families.”
House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, said in a press release the Republican’s plan
shortchanges students.
“The biggest loser in the Republican budget is Minnesota kids. With a $2 billion surplus, we can do
better – especially for our students on both ends of the spectrum, from our earliest learners who need a
head start, to college students seeking an affordable education,” Thissen said in the release.