Bruininks To Testify Before Minnesota Senate Panel

ST. PAUL (AP) -- University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks visits the Capitol Wednesday to testify before a Senate higher education panel.

Bruininks is on the agenda to give an overview of the University of Minnesota as lawmakers confront a $6.2 billion deficit.

His appearance comes a day after top Republican lawmakers proposed $1 billion in budget cuts, including $185 million for public universities. A University of Minnesota official said the school budgeted without its share of that money on purpose, but the next round of cuts will be tougher.

Later Wednesday, Bruininks will speak at a legislative briefing on the university's Minneapolis campus to rally support for the university's priorities.

Bruininks is stepping down as president in June and will be succeeded by Eric Kaler.

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