by Alex Kurt 

More than 50 students are slated to travel to the Minnesota State Capitol today.

They will lobby on behalf of the Minnesota State College Grant.

The State Grant Program is being allocated $72 million in this year’s Health and Human Services budget, according to Rep. Larry Hosch, DFL-14B.

“In my eyes, it’s a very good budget both for public and private institutions,” Hosch told students Wednesday at a dinner for the lobbying trip.

Hosch is vice-chairman of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee, which is drafting the budget to be included in the Higher Education bill.

“Tonight, a committee is taking up the Higher Education bill,” CSB/SJU Vice President of Enrollment, Planning and Public Affairs Jon McGee said. “We’re going to be there at the right time.”

Hosch emphasized the importance of students being involved in the process.

“State government is too large and complex, so we’re usually generalists in this situation, not experts,” he said. “You guys are the experts here. Your voice can make a difference while educating us at the same time.”

McGee said it is important for all students to help.

“Only a fraction of students get a state grant,” McGee said. “But it allows your friends and neighbors and colleagues to be here. For generations we’ve been working to make CSB/SJU affordable for students of all family incomes.”

According to CSB President MaryAnn Baenninger, approximately 1,000 students at CSB/SJU receive a state grant, which average $3,400 per person.

“The legislatures are getting active,” Baenninger said. “There’s a dialogue on the budget and that’s exciting. Even though we’re private institutions, this is not a small issue for us.”

McGee commended Hosch for his work on the budget.

“[Hosch] underwent this [college] experience recently,” McGee said. “He understands how important this is.”

Filed under: News by Alex Kurt