Univ. of Minn. President Kaler outlines budget request for state lawmakers

The University of Minnesota is asking the new GOP-led state Legislature for a more than 11 percent increase in state funding over the biennium this session.

At a state Capitol press conference Tuesday University President Eric Kaler, saying he was ready to move past recent Gophers football team controversies, outlined a nearly $1.4 billion request. The request includes a $147.2 million boost in state spending for University initiatives.

Kaler said the University’s request covers three areas: student success and affordability, research, and “unfinished business.”

For student success and affordability, the University wants $90.2 million from the state to advance STEM education, increase undergraduate retention and graduation rates, enroll more in-state minority students and minimize tuition hikes, among others.

Read more: http://www.mndaily.com/article/2017/01/kaler-outlines-budget-request-to-lawmakers