The DFL-led Minnesota House today passed a higher education omnibus bill on a 72-57 vote. The measure aims to lower debt for Minnesota students and would freeze tuition for two years at the state’s public colleges and universities. Democratic Representative Connie Bernardy of New Brighton says the bill “ensures that all Minnesotans can have access to a quality higher education and job training opportunities without taking on decades of student debt.” Eric Lucero of Dayton was a “no” vote on the bill and says “tuition freezes are a band-aid that fails to address the rising cost of higher education.” The bill also increases mental health services and support services for sexual abuse survivors. And it aims to close achievement gaps and improve campus food accessibility.