Transcript Highlights:

• Years ago, the UNM Land-Grant Studies Program purchased these reels from... the State Records and Archives
• and other grant programs to bring more dollars into their communities for investment.
• grants and other grants, but the message also goes beyond money.
• Because before, the assistance program was through reimbursement grants, so now you don't have to worry
• And so the way the program works is a loan-for-service program.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:52.200> as<00:35:52.319> a Grant and also the pipeline program as a Grant and
• of the recipients for the state grant of the recipients for the state grant program<01:04:29.119
• it is noteworthy that our state grant it is noteworthy that our state grant program<01:05:11.880
• Grant, which is the primary federal need-based program.
• <01:06:53.880> that Federal pel grant program for which that Federal pel grant program for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• programs and I'm competitive grant programs and I'm highlighting<00:02:22.160> programs<00:02
• > grant grant period, program outcomes, grant grant period, program outcomes, grant policies<00
• named grant programs.
• In general, the grant programs.
• c> through through grant programs of funded through through grant programs of funded through the<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Land Grants Council and the Land Grant Study Program at UNM.
• called Ancestral Lands that conducts programs in both tribal and land grant communities.
• Created funding for the Land Grant Studies Program at the University of New Mexico.
• Grant Studies Program was in a different office under the Southwest Hispanic Research Institute.
• On page 3, C2B is the development of land grant youth programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:59.759> program Um so how the state grant program Um so how the state grant program
• grant program.
• <00:20:40.159> program any changes to the uh PEL grant program any changes to the uh PEL grant
• c> do the state grant program, we cannot do the state grant program, we cannot do anything<00:31:
• Like Pell Grant or programs, right?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• state grant program with a positive state grant program with a positive 3,623,000<00:04:52.639><
• four-year programs under the state grant four-year programs under the state grant program.<00:09
• We have a great state grant program.
• So, the state grant programs, we definitely try to align with the federal grant programs when we can.
• <01:35:48.800> on grant program that gives direction on grant program that gives direction

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the entrepreneurship grants and vouchers program.
• So if they were to receive federal grant programs, it's used in conjunction with the UAS program.
• Block Grant—those are listed, with a short description of what those programs do.
• No, the grant programs. So you presented a report regarding our grant program?
• Two of those programs you'd highlight are the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Classified School Employee Grant has also been a very popular grant program.
• What about the Golden State Teacher Grant Program?
• Grant Program.
• Of different programs and grants.
• For the Golden State Teacher Grant Program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• $34,484,000 increase for the state grant $34,484,000 increase for the state grant program<00:04:
• grant grant program.<00:04:19.840> Um,<00:04:20.320> on program.
• for state grant program appropriations. for state grant program appropriations.
• So that was where we went with that around the state grant program.
• went with that around the state grant went with that around the state grant program.<00:31:06.720

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , dual training competency grants, and the intervention for college attendance program grants.
• Are some of these going program grants.
• <00:09:03.440> programs Uh, if we're funding grant programs and requiring reports, usually
• named grants into the formula-funded tribal college supplemental assistance grant program.
• supplemental assistance grant program. supplemental assistance grant program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So January of '25, we posted six grant programs that We're going to be offering in fiscal '26.
• support program where we can award grants that are greater than $50,000.
• But we put on the screen some of the kinds of grant programs that they’re offering.
• So our grant program has really found success.
• However, this grant line was a competitive grant program for $2.2 million for other children's museums

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs are the year-round certified farmers' market program for grants to support year-round
• These programs are the year-round certified farmers' market program for grants to support year-round
• Grant program, which will provide grants to support the necessary infrastructure for certified mobile
• The largest component of the program is the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, which most folks
• The largest component of the program is the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, which most folks

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:50.080> program grant program grant program this<00:03:51.360> is<00:03:51.440><
• <00:45:29.839> with grant to help me finish my program with grant to help me finish my program
• <01:06:20.079> program for the cognitive grant program for the cognitive grant program as<
• grant program which found report on this grant program which found that<01:06:28.000> while<01
• grant program needs is largely what this grant program needs is clarification<01:06:35.200> in

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Education Finance Committee met remotely on February 16, 2022, with a quorum present and approved the minutes from the previous day by voice vote. Chair Dabney said the committee was spending the week on public school staffing shortages, especially efforts to increase and retain BIPOC teachers, and introduced testimony on the Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color Grant Program (CUGMEC) and the broader Increasing Teachers of Color Act. Testifiers from St. Thomas, Augsburg, and Hopkins described the history and impact of the legacy educator-of-color programs. Kathleen Campbell said the original Q program was created to address underrepresentation, remove financial barriers, and provide mentorship and culturally relevant support; she argued that when the grant became competitive in 2017 without additional funding, support was spread too thin and student capacity dropped. Audrey Lensmeyer described Augsburg’s East African Student-to-Teacher Program, rooted in community advocacy in Cedar-Riverside, and said it has produced strong completion and licensure outcomes. Keenan Jones shared his path from paraprofessional to teacher and district leader, emphasizing the importance of scholarships, mentorship, and outreach to high school students, including a statewide co-enrollment Intro to Teaching course. Representative Hassan then presented House File 3079, saying the bill aims to attract, prepare, complete, and retain more teachers of color and American Indian teachers through several grant and program changes, including Closing the Educational Opportunity Gap grants, Cook Mac funding, teacher mentorship and retention updates, and revisions to CUGMEC. He said the bill responds to a severe shortage of BIPOC teachers and that the requested investment is small relative to the state surplus. Student and educator testimony followed, including a third-grade student from Crookston and Ava Roots, both of whom described the importance of having teachers who reflect students’ cultures and experiences. Natalia Benjamin, the 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, also testified about retention challenges for educators of color and racialized workplace treatment. The committee indicated it intended to lay over HF 3079 for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill, and Representative Richardson moved the bill to be laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We make grants to individual artists, and we have four project grant programs that align with what the
• the operating support program, where we can award grants greater than $50,000.
• But we put on the screen some of the kinds of grant programs that they're offering.
• So our grant program has really grown.
• This grant line was a competitive grant program for $2.2 million for other children's museums within

Transcript Highlights:

• eliminate the deficit in the state grant eliminate the deficit in the state grant program. program
• <00:37:14.960> program, population of the state grant program, population of the state grant
• and the State Grant Program are Promise and the State Grant Program are vital<01:23:36.320> in
• participate in the state grant program. participate in the state grant program.
• <01:57:38.599> program in mind is the state grant program in mind is the state grant program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:02.199> program and so funding the gr the grant program and so funding the gr the grant
• <00:14:27.120> program investment in the state grant program investment in the state grant
• <00:16:03.240> University state grant program so at the University state grant program so
• grant program it's a profoundly grant program it's a profoundly transformational<00:46:50.640>
• into a formula grant program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When you make reductions in the state grant program for those students whose PEL and state grant is equal
• When you make reductions in the state grant program for those students whose PEL and state grant is equal
• you make reductions in the state grant you make reductions in the state grant program<00:24:46.559
• below the caps in the state grant below the caps in the state grant program<00:25:28.799> or<
• <00:47:27.839> program to do it through the state grant program to do it through the state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:47:46.200> state's grant program this is the state's grant program this is the state's
• tuition<00:58:06.680> and state grant program are the tuition and state grant program are
• grant program.
• grant program.
• grant program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Higher Ed Finance and Policy Committee met to begin a budget overview for higher education. The chair noted quorum, committee member introductions, and that Democratic members were absent. The chair also said the Office of Higher Education would not be appearing for the planned budget deep dive, so nonpartisan fiscal staff would present instead. Ken Savory, the committee’s nonpartisan fiscal analyst, introduced a presentation on the higher education finance structure and timeline. Savory explained the state budget cycle, the difference between direct appropriations, statutory appropriations, open appropriations, base funding, tails, and one-time appropriations, and how those concepts apply to higher education. He described the committee’s usual budget areas: the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Foundation. He also reviewed historical spending charts showing higher education’s share of the general fund over time, the 2/3-1/3 funding policy in statute, and how tuition and general fund support have shifted. He noted that the FY 26-27 base for the Office of Higher Education area is about $725 million, including roughly $450 million for the State Grant program and about $99 million for North Star Promise. Members asked about comparing the current budget to earlier biennia, and staff responded that they would need to calculate the percentage difference. The chair then summarized prior budget growth, saying the previous budget was about $650 million over base and the current budget/tail was about $450 million over base. Staff also reviewed the 2024 omnibus higher education bill, including a roughly $5 million reduction to North Star Promise that was redirected to the Fostering Independence Grant program and a $500,000 appropriation for Minnesota State’s Kids on Campus program. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce for the second tranche of the BEAD program.
• As we've said before, the payment distribution in this particular grant program is different from anything
• They have a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the National Digital Newspaper Program
• Representative, I was just going to add, this is part of a grant program that was... Yes, ma'am.
• Representative, I was just going to add, this is part of a grant program that was statutorily created

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Continuing the work of this grant program is vital to public library users across the state.
• Continuing the work of this grant program is vital to public library users across the state.
• Across the metro area, 40 grants have been awarded through the public library construction grant program
• Across the metro area, 40 grants have been awarded through the public library construction grant program
• Across the metro area, 40 grants have been awarded through the public library construction grant program

Keywords: 1183, house