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February 2, 2023
 Commissioner Olson presented Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan higher education budget proposals to the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. The approximately $335 million investment to OHE, the University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State over the next biennium will further efforts to reduce financial barriers and support postsecondary opportunities for all Minnesotans. Read more about?Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan's entire?One Minnesota Budget.??
Supporting Public Higher Education Institutions
In the One Minnesota Budget, Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan propose increased funding for the state?s two public higher?education systems, Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota. They also propose funding for Minnesota?State to increase student supports in areas such as mental health. By supporting the whole student and ensuring?they have the resources they need to succeed outside of the classroom, students will be able to better focus on?their studies, which increases their likelihood of completing their degree program.
Investing in Tribal Colleges and Indigenous Students
Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan propose additional funding for the state?s tribal colleges by?expanding the Tribal College Supplemental Grant Assistance program, ensuring tribal colleges receive the same?per student funding as other Minnesota public higher education institutions. The Gov. and Lt. Gov. also propose an American Indian Scholars program to provide tuition-free pathways for any?Minnesota Tribal Nation member, or any federally recognized American Indian or Canadian First Nation tribe?member, attending a public college in Minnesota.
Supporting Student Parents in Higher Ed
As a new competitive grant program, the Minnesota Student Parent Support Initiative would support?entities and institutions to develop and implement services and programs that would?support the unique needs of parenting students across the state.
The Walz-Flanagan budget request also includes investments in the following areas:
Read more about the Governor's budget recommendations by agency on the MMB website?or view the One Minnesota Budget Fact Sheet for an overview of all proposals.
 On Jan. 24, the Senate Higher Education Committee held a confirmation hearing for Commissioner Dennis Olson where they?unanimously voted to support Olson's reappointment. The motion will now go before the entire Senate for approval.
Over the past four years,?Commissioner Olson?has tirelessly advocated for higher education, engaged in valuable partnerships with various stakeholder groups, and has led the agency in the implementation of multiple successful programs that break down financial barriers and work toward increasing postsecondary attainment for all students.
"We must continue to work to meet the goals and needs of an increasingly diverse and changing student population," said Olson at the confirmation hearing. "Our vision for the future is an umbrella approach to investments, initiatives and partnerships that strive to meet students where they are to help them be successful. Targeted programs for underserved Minnesotans are key, with initiatives designed to help with readiness, affordability, persistence, and completion."
The public is able to stream Commissioner Dennis Olson's confirmation hearing on the Minnesota Senate Media Services page.
Track higher education bill progress by tuning into the House and Senate Higher Education Committee meetings.
The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, chaired by Representative Gene Pelowski, meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Room 10 of the State Office Building.
The Senate Higher Education Committee, chaired by Senator Omar Fateh, meets on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Room G15 of the State Capitol.?
This year, the Legislative Session has returned to an in-person format, and there will be some live streaming options. Visit the Combined Legislative Meeting Calendar - live stream links will appear next to the meeting when available. Past meetings are available by visiting the House and Senate Higher Ed Committee webpages.
The Next Generation Nursing Assistant (NGNA) initiative awarded $98,800 in equipment grants to 24 Minnesota high schools. School districts will use this funding to purchase or improve lab equipment and materials necessary for nursing assistant training.
In addition, the latest data shows that?2,306 Minnesotans have completed, or are in the process of completing, their training.
To learn more and see the list of high schools who received grants, check out our website.
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