Minnesota House Bill HF38

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Refer: 4/3/23

Caption

Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities undergraduate tuition reduction funding provided, and money appropriated.

Impact

The funding outlined in HF38 mandates that state colleges and universities reduce undergraduate tuition rates by two percent each academic year compared to the previous year's rates for both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. Importantly, this reduction in tuition cannot be countered by increases in other mandatory fees or charges, ensuring that the markdown is genuinely beneficial for students. However, it does allow for differential tuition charges if justified by extraordinary circumstances, providing flexibility for institutions while maintaining the core goal of affordability.

Summary

House File 38 (HF38) is a legislative proposal aimed at providing financial support to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The bill appropriates a total of $117,860,000 over the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to specifically fund a reduction in undergraduate tuition rates. The intention behind this appropriation is to lessen the financial burden on students attending state colleges and universities, promoting access to higher education across Minnesota.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HF38 concerns the financial implications for the state budget, as the appropriation of substantial funds over two years represents a significant commitment. Opponents may argue about the feasibility of sustaining such budget allocations long-term and whether this funding can adequately cover the operational costs of state colleges. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the effectiveness of tuition reductions versus other potential measures for aiding students, such as increasing financial aid or improving institutional resources.