H.F. No. 4361 - Higher Education Financing Summary

• Appropriates $2,464,000 to Minnesota Office of Higher Education in fiscal year 2019, including $1,100,000 for state grants and $1,364,000 for Minnesota Reconnect pilot program with base funding of $1,169,000 in fiscal year 2020.

• Appropriates $18,500,000 to Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in fiscal year 2019 for operations and maintenance ($10,000,000 one-time) and upgrading the Integrated Statewide Record System ($8,500,000 with $12,500,000 base through fiscal year 2023).

• Appropriates $10,000,000 to Board of Regents of University of Minnesota in fiscal year 2019 for operations and maintenance to minimize tuition increases.

• Creates Minnesota Reconnect pilot program for adult learners ages 25-61 with family income of $85,000 or less, offering grants of $1,000 per fall/spring term at four participating community colleges for up to two academic years.

• Amends state grant stipend calculation to clarify federal Pell grant eligibility requirements and establishes spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research grant account in special revenue fund.