State Senator Rich Draheim will play a pivotal role negotiating the next higher education budget. The freshman Republican senator from Madison Lake was appointed to serve on the conference committee for Senate File 2214, the higher education budget bill. Sen. Draheim and four other senators will work with five members of the House of Representatives, as well as the governor’s office, on a compromise higher education budget.

“I’ve long said that if Minnesota wants to continue to have a thriving economy, we have to invest in higher education,” said Sen. Draheim. “The House and the Senate both put together strong proposals that prioritize students, and I’m proud to have an opportunity to help negotiate the final details of these bills. Everyone is approaching this process with the attitude that we need to make sure our colleges and universities get the funding they need, and that we need to spare students from any more exorbitant costs. I think when all is said and done, Minnesota students will be happy with the outcome. “

The Senate has posted a side-by-side spreadsheet showing the differences between the House, Senate, and Governor’s higher education recommendations. The conference committee for Senate File 2214 has not yet set its first meeting time.