On Campus Blog

House passes legislative higher-education agreement 76-56

Just as I was done with the Senate coverage, the House took up the bill and passed it 76-56.

Most of the opposition seemed to center on the idea that the state was giving $250 million more to two higher-ed systems that have never learned to reform themselves and cut costs.

State Rep. Gene Pelowski told the House that most of the money is going toward student financial aid and tuition relief.

And he said the bill has reporting requirements to make sure colleges and universities spend money wisely:

"We will hold them accountable -- both the University of Minnesota and MnSCU. We will hold them accountable for the next year on how this money is spent."

Having won approval from both the House and Senate, the bill must now move on to the governor for his signature.