ST. PAUL – State Representative Melissa Hortman released the following statement about the House Republican higher education budget targets that were released this morning.
“The biggest losers in the Republican budget are Minnesota’s children. With a budget surplus of $1.9 billion, there is no excuse for the Republicans' failure to invest in higher education. In these good economic times, we can afford to continue the two-year DFL tuition freeze for another two years at all state colleges and universities. The tuition freeze is helping students and families and it should be continued.
The legislature can and should continue to make college more affordable for Minnesota students and families. With the budget surplus, we also have the resources to take action to relieve the burden of student debt.
The GOP's proposed gimmick of taking money from the student grant program and labeling it "new spending" attempts to hide how meager their budget for higher education really is.”
Rep. Hortman encourages community members to contact her on any legislative issue. She can be reached by email at rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn or telephone at 651-296-4280.
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