WINONA Minn. – With Democratic majorities, the Minnesota Legislature moved past recent gridlock with most robust investments in the state’s future and family-friendly initiatives, State Representative Gene Pelwoski, D-Winona, said in an end-of-session wrap-up to constituents. As chair of the House Higher Education Committee, Pelowski cited “historic \nvestments” in higher education that end recent years of budget cuts. Tuition at Winona State, Minnesota State Southeast and other MinnState colleges has been frozen, he said. In addition, he added, college will be free for students from families earning less than $80,000. For workforce development, he said, new scholarships are going to students aiming for high-demand jobs.
Pelowski. On House higher-ed, capital investment, rules, and ways and means committees
Hometown projects
Pelowski itemized new infrastructure funding that included port development, $18 million; the Mississippi Riverfront Trail, $5 million; a planned public safety headquarters, $7.5 million; and a Winona State University state-of-art interdisciplinary classroom building, $4.8 million.
Local government aid
> Winona city: $11.4 million.
> Winona schools: $4.9 million,
> Winona County: $3.9 million.
> Lewiston-Altura schools: $984,000.
> Goodview city: $588,000.
> Rollingstone city: $205,000.
> Lewiston city: $551,000.