Gov. Mark Dayton urges state legislators to compromise on terms for a special session in a stop at St. Cloud State. Photo by Nick Lenz ’11
Gov. Mark Dayton made a stop at St. Cloud State University June 10 to urge legislators to finish their work and make needed investments for projects left unfinished during the legislative session.
The governor made the stop on statewide tour to call on the legislature to compromise on terms for a special session on needed investments in higher education, job creation and public safety. His press tour stops included other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions including Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Rochester Community and Technical College and South Central College in Mankato.
“It is time now for the legislature to come back to St. Paul and finish their work,” Dayton said. “Minnesotans deserve better college classrooms, clean water infrastructure, tax cuts for 650,000 people and thousands of jobs from comprehensive bonding and transportation bills.
“I have offered to meet the House Republicans halfway between their positions and mine, so that we can reach agreement for the good of all Minnesotans.”
Dayton is urging legislative leaders to correct the Tax Bill and agree to essential investments in education, job creation and public safety. His request includes a funding proposal for MnSCU that would result in $2.1 million for St. Cloud State.
State legislators Rep. Jim Knoblach, Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, Sen. Michelle Fischback, Rep. Tama Theis and Rep. Jeff Howe listen to Gov. Mark Dayton as he speaks at St. Cloud State. Photo by Nick Lenz ’11
He spoke about the importance of support for higher education and clean water infrastructure and the need for a student health center.
The Eastman Hall Renovation Project would invest about $18.6 million to transform the vacant Eastman Hall building into a modern health services facility. The project was included in the House bonding bill.
“A renovated Eastman Hall will allow our programs in the School of Health and Human Services to expand on the expectation of applied and experiential learning in preparing students for success in Minnesota’s communities and workforce,” said Provost Ashish Vaidya, who delivered opening remarks at the press conference.
Dayton is insisting that the bonding bill also include $1.1 million in Higher Education Asset Preservation and Renovation (HEAPR) funding to help St. Cloud State improve building security and repair the Engineering and Computer Center building.
“The top priority for the future of Minnesota is education,” Dayton said.
He’s also asking for the bonding bill to include $1.34 million in HEAPR funds for basic infrastructure improvements at St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
Sen. Michelle Fischback, Rep. Jim Knoblach, Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, Rep. Tama Theis and Rep. Jeff Howe were in attendance as well as St. Cloud State bargaining unit leadership and Student Government President Mikaela Johnson and Vice President Randal Olson.
For more information on the Eastman Hall project, see Lt. Gov. Smith: The time is now for Eastman.
