Joined by students and university administrators from St. Cloud State and St. Cloud Technical and Community College, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and Higher Education Commissioner Larry Pogemiller hosted a round table discussion about restoring the partnership between state government and higher education institutions.
The discussion took place Thursday in St. Cloud State’s Alumni Room.
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This year, Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Smith have proposed robust investments to reduce debt and ensure all Minnesotans have access to quality, affordable higher education.
“Half of all Minnesota college graduates leave schools with over $27,000 in student loans. That means they can’t pursue dream jobs, start new businesses, or buy homes – harming the economy for everyone,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “Our budget invests in strategies to make higher education and career training at St. Cloud State University and schools across Minnesota more affordable. I encourage students and families to contact their legislators about the importance of investing in higher education.”
To hold tuition costs down for students, the Dayton-Smith Administration has proposed a $255 million investment that will help Minnesota State schools pay for inflationary cost increases in their daily operations. Under the plan, St. Cloud State University would receive an estimated $12.7 million. St. Cloud Technical & Community College would receive about $2.7 million.
“Governor Dayton’s proposal acknowledges the statewide significance of St. Cloud State, which delivers a half-billion dollars in annual economic impact and improves tens of thousands of lives,” said St. Cloud State Interim President Ashish Vaidya. “I am grateful for our campus to have the opportunity to meet with Lt. Governor Smith and discuss the importance of this work and its impact on our university and community.”
Sociology major Madilyne Wegener testified about the financial challenges students face.
“Instead of burdening students financially, we should be empowering them,” said Wegener, who hails from Waite Park. “And, a lot of that comes from not worrying about money. And, when students are able to focus more on classes and focus more on being involved on campus, they’re able to be very successful.”
At St. Cloud State University, the Governor’s Jobs Bill would invest $18.6 million to transform the largely vacant, 85-year-old Eastman Hall building into a modern health services facility. The new facility would consolidate the student health services office and create a learning environment for students in health related fields to be trained in multiple disciplines – meeting the demand of professional communities and better preparing students for careers after college.
