Statement from U of M President Gabel on Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan fully funding University of Minnesota budget request

Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan recommended $46.5 million in new funding for the University of Minnesota during the 2022-23 budget cycle. This recommendation matches the full amount of new funding requested by the University this biennium, the lowest biennial request in over 20 years. The University chose to focus first on managing its own expense reductions, only asking the State for that critical portion of funding that the University could not achieve on its own through personnel and operational cost reductions. 

The following is a statement from University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel:

“I am thankful to Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for their continued support of the University of Minnesota, and am deeply grateful for their recommendation to fully fund our biennial budget request. 

“An investment in the University is an investment in the future of our state. It’s an investment in accessibility and affordability for Minnesota’s tens of thousands of students who become the skilled workforce-ready graduates our state, corporate partners, and society need and deserve. These needs are especially important as we address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and work to power Minnesota’s economic recovery.

“Our request aligns with the University’s Systemwide Strategic Plan: MPACT 2025 and reflects our commitment to world-class education, research and service, fulfilling the University’s land-grant mission to equitably create access and innovation at home and with global impact.

“I look forward to advancing our partnerships with the governor, lieutenant governor and legislature to make the case that our funding request supports Minnesota, each and every day.”

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Learn more about the biennial budget request on the University’s Government Relations website.