It's that time of the session when most bills pertaining to the University have been heard. The schedule of U-related hearings is very light this week although many other bills are still being heard. Legislative leadership is busy negotiating the "targets" not only for capital appropriation bills but also the supplemental bills that will balance the state's budget. Stay tuned, as the roll out of these bills will be the next time we can "take the temperature" of the legislature on the capital request.
On Monday, the House Higher Education Committee heard a presentation on stem cell research at the University from Senior Vice President Frank Cerra and Dr. John Wagner, Director of Minnesota Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics. Dr. Cerra and Dr. Wagner are eloquent advocates about the medical value of this work for so many people in Minnesota and elsewhere with serious and life-threatening diseases. You may have seen today's media stories about the fact that we are about move some of the research into clinical trials - another step forward!
On Wednesday, the Agriculture Policy Committee and the Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee will meet jointly for an informational meeting about the future of industrial biotechnology, including the potential for utilizing biomass fibers. Shri Ramaswamy and Ulrike Tschirner, faculty in the College of Natural Resources, will testify.
Last night President Bruininks participated in a Legislative Network calling night, joining nearly 20 University volunteers. The President thanked volunteers for spending a few hours of their time to build public support for the University.
The volunteers called people in key legislative districts and encouraged them to contact their legislators in support of the capital request. You can read a Minnesota Daily article about the event at: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/03/10/8729
Please read UMAA Executive Director, Margaret Carlson’s column in Minnesota Monthly about alumni involvement in support of the University at the Capitol. http://www.alumni.umn.edu/index.asp?Type=PR&SEC={FFE4952F-64DC-4B30-930C-D93225E2E4EE}&DE={72719A67-584F-45C9-B6A7-623E64B3CF43}