Commissioners and Bruininks at Capitol
On Monday the House Education Finance and Economic Competitiveness Committee had a presentation on the P-16 Council. President Bruininks along with Commissioners Heegaard and Seagram and Linda Bear from MnSCU testified on the coordination, cooperation and planning that is happening as a result of these various education leaders meeting on a regular basis.
On Tuesday and Thursday, President Bruininks testified to the Senate Higher Education Committee. In addition to the biennial and capital requests, he also presented an overview of the University of Minnesota system, described the Strategic Positioning process and how that directed the formation of the biennial request. Matt Smith, GAPSA president and Max Page, MSA president spoke to the committee. In addition, 3 faculty members also addressed the committee (testimony attached).
The House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs held hearings on organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Professor Don Wyse and Professor Nancy Ehlke from the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics in CFANS testified on organic and sustainable research at the University of Minnesota. The committee passed two different appropriations bills (H.F. 844 and H.F. 846) on to the finance committee directing funding to the University for further research in this area.
The House Environment and Natural Resources & Energy Policy and Finance held a joint committee hearing on biofuels and carbon sequestration. The University had three faculty present their research. They where Dr. David Tilman, Regents Professor of Ecology, College of Biological Sciences, Dr. Ed Nater, Professor and Head of Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate, and Cheryl Miller, Project Coordinator for the Minnesota Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration Initiative. This was an informational hearing to further educate the legislature on these important issues.
The Senate Capital Investment Committee heard a presentation on the proposed Central Corridor light rail line from the Metropolitan Council. Peter Bell laid out costs of the project and a time line for completion.
The Senate Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Finance Division heard a presentation on the IREE budget by Dean Robert Elde. This was an informational hearing to educate the committee on IREE’s monetary needs.
