Minnesota lawmakers’ main task during the 2018 session beginning Tuesday is a bonding bill for state public works projects. The University of Minnesota is asking for 238 million dollars, and President Eric Kaler says, “We’re really talking about renewal, not bright new shiny objects, but really investing in the buildings that we have.” Included in the request are projects on the U-of-M’s campuses in Duluth, Crookston and Morris, plus four million dollars to renovate the historic Glensheen Mansion in Duluth.
Kaler says if there’s a revised state budget, the University will also push for additional funding. He says, “A good state appropriation enables us to keep any tuition increase to as low a level as possible.” Governor Mark Dayton and legislature leaders all predict the next economic forecast at the end of the month will show a budget surplus, which will spark a flurry of lobbying by dozens of interest groups.