On Friday, the U-Mayo Partnership held the grand opening of the new research space funded through the 2005 bonding bill. Dr. Frank Cerra was joined by Dr. Glen Forbes of the Mayo Clinic and Governor Tim Pawlenty as the speakers at the event. The event was attended by several area legislators.

Sr. VP Cerra met with Rep. Hausman, Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, to discuss research at the University and specifically the biomedical facilities authority.

Vice President Pfutzenreuter and Sr. Vice President Cerra testified at the Senate Capital Investment Committee regarding the HEAPR bonding request and the Minnesota Biomedical Science Research Facilities Authority. Sen. Pappas, chair of the Senate Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee, told the committee about her committee’s tour of the Twin Cities campus and that this tour reminded her of the importance of quality facilities for recruiting faculty and students. Sen. Stumpf asked how the University’s research could have a greater economic impact in rural Minnesota. Vice President Cerra explained that there are partnerships with MnSCU and with regional economic development organizations.

President Bruininks met with Governor Pawlenty to discuss University issues. The Governor explained the $25 million one-time funding for performance in his budget. He would like the University to define 5 measurable outcome goals. He stated that if there is progress in 3 of the 5 goals, then the $25 million will be released to the U. We are working on defining 5 performance goals that can be used if this concept is supported by the legislature.

The Governor talked about his interest in the bio-fuels research at the University. His office is trying to identify a time for him to have a tour of the University’s research.

Vice President Pfutzenreuter and Vice President O’Brien testified at the House Capital Investment Committee on the University’s HEAPR request for this session and gave an update on the use of the funds that had been appropriated in past sessions.

Vice President Mulcahy presented to the Senate Business, Industry, and Jobs Committee about the importance of the University’s outreach to the business community and how the University’s research helps to drive the Minnesota economy.

The legislative network briefing on Wednesday night was the largest ever with more than 300 attending. In addition, more district meetings of University faculty, staff and alumni with their local legislators continue. (If you are not a member of the legislative network, please join. You will receive timely notices to contact your state legislators to remind them to support the University.)

We continue to meet with legislators about the University’s biennial request and issues that are of specific interest to them.