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Both the state Senate and House of Representatives have voted to increase funding to the University of Minnesota, but key differences in their bills still need to be ironed out.

After an hour-long debate, representatives passed a bill Thursday, which, like the Senate, would freeze tuition for in-state undergraduates at the University until 2015.

With more than 300 colleges and universities pushing for their schools’ administrations to divest in the fossil fuel industry, the “Fossil Free” movement has gained momentum in the past few months.

In a push for the University of Minnesota to divest its assets from the fossil fuel industry, several student groups have formed or re-formed on campus. Though having multiple groups dedicated to divestment causes confusion, they’re looking for ways to work together to spread awareness about the issue.

The full Minnesota House voted to increase funding for the University of Minnesota after an hour-long debate. 

Representatives passed the bill that would freeze tuition for Minnesota undergraduates at the University for the next two years.

Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, said the bill passed with bipartisan support.

“It’s hard to be opposed to education. Nobody wants to vote against the kids,” he said.

Fourteen House Republicans voted in favor of the tuition freeze, despite concerns over raised taxes to meet those costs.

A plasma collection center that has stalled construction of apartments near the University of Minnesota campus may soon find moving a little easier.

The Minneapolis planning commission approved a zoning amendment that would allow plasma centers to set up shop in more areas around the city. The CSL Plasma center, currently off University and Washington avenues, would have more options for relocation.

Policymakers included a bill aimed at increasing student internships outside the metro area in the Senate omnibus tax bill, which passed a committee Wednesday.

The bill, introduced several times in the past by members of both parties, would give tax breaks to businesses in greater Minnesota that hire and mentor student interns.

The proposal failed to get past the House higher education committee earlier in the session but was moved to the Senate tax committee.