HOEVEN SIGNS $633 MILLION HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING BILL

University System to Receive a 23 Percent Increase

MINOT, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators, and campus and university system officials at Minot State University to sign House Bill 1003, the Higher Education budget bill, which increases funding for the system by an unprecedented $89 million. The bill raises the higher education budget to $633 million, with a 23 percent increase in state funding, and limits tuition increases for the next two years.

“Due to our aggressive economic development efforts and a growing economy, we are able to provide this funding, and at the same time, provide almost $120 million for broad-based tax relief and set aside more than $350 million in reserves for the future,” Hoeven said.

“For the first time ever, we are funding the needs-based budget of Higher Education at the level requested by the board,” Hoeven said. “This legislation, which includes a range of new grant, assistance and savings programs for students and families, will help hold the line on tuition increases and keep the cost of a college education in North Dakota affordable.”

The Higher Education budget increase includes:

A $71 million increase in operations, ongoing maintenance and technology costs to help hold the line on tuition.

An $18.6 million increase for capital projects – without bonding – to maintain quality campuses for a quality higher education system.

Included in the funding is:

Workforce Development: A more than $8 million increase in workforce development funding, including Career and Technical Education, Internships, Workforce 2020, and cutting-edge job placement technology for Job Service North Dakota.

Deferred Maintenance: $10.9 million for repairs and renovations on campuses, in addition to capital projects.

Helping Students and Families Afford College: A $4.1 increase for Student Financial Assistance Grants, scholarships and loans.

College Savings: In addition, BND has added new features to its CollegeSave Program that provides an income tax deduction and other incentives for higher education savings accounts to help families plan for the future, including a $250 state match for low-income individuals opening an account.

Technology: A $10.9 million increase for ConnectND, the Northern Tier Network, and other statewide general technology needs to keep our campuses competitive and cutting edge.

A $700,000 appropriation to tribal colleges to defray the cost of educating non-tribal students.
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