1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to higher education; increasing the obligation of the state to support 
1.3 	the cost of instruction within the state colleges and universities through 
1.4 	direct appropriation;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 135A.031, 
1.5 	subdivision 1.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 135A.031, subdivision 1, is amended to 
1.8 	read:
1.9 		Subdivision 1.Determination of appropriation. (a) The appropriations for the 
1.10 	University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are determined 
1.11 	by considering the biennial budget documents submitted under section 135A.034, 
1.12 	performance in advancing the objectives under section 135A.011, available resources 
1.13 	according to the state budget forecast, the relative balance between state support for students 
1.14 	and public postsecondary institutions, and other factors the legislature considers important 
1.15 	in determining the level of state appropriations for public postsecondary education.
1.16 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the direct appropriation to the Minnesota State 
1.17 	Colleges and Universities for instructional services shall equal at least the following as a 
1.18 	percentage of the estimated total cost of instruction:
1.19 	(1) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, 45 percent;
1.20 	(2) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, 50 percent;
1.21 	(3) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, 55 percent; and
1.22 	(4) for fiscal years ending June 30, 2019, and thereafter, 60 percent.

1.23 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2015.