Gov. Tim Pawlenty released his state budget proposal, which would reduce the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system's appropriation by $146 million, or nearly 11 percent. This would come on top of a $20 million cut to the appropriation for the current biennium. As you may recall, the state faces an historic $4.8 billion deficit over the next two years.

State lawmakers are turning to you and asking for the public to weigh in on how to solve this shortfall. Please share your thoughts on how the state of Minnesota needs to keep its long-standing investment in higher education to provide quality and affordability. Explain that higher education is the key to the state's economic recovery. It can provide training for laid-off workers and provide Minnesotans with unique skills that can attract businesses to the state. Share your opinions or view others' opinions by clicking on the links below:

• House Budget Page
• House Bioscience and Economic Development survey
• Senate Budget Page
• Senate Higher Education Budget Page