House Advances $3.2 Billion Higher Education Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) --  The Minnesota House has approved a $3.2 billion
education bill that would freeze tuition next year for the state's two-year and
technical colleges but will likely raise it at the University of Minnesota.

The bill passed Tuesday in the Republican-controlled House mostly along party
lines by a vote of 77-53. Republicans say their bill helps students with rising
educational costs through funding student debt counseling and a loan forgiveness
program for agricultural, aviation and teaching jobs.

Democratic Rep. Gene Pelowski of Winona says the bill falls short of schools'
needs and fails to address high debt loads.

Gov. Mark Dayton is sure to fight against some of the provisions, like funding
for the University of Minnesota, where he proposed nearly $75 million more than
Republicans.