The 2008 legislative session brings with it a focus on infrastructure and state bonding. This year the University of Minnesota will be asking for state funds that will assist us in preserving existing buildings and constructing new facilities. This year the University will submit a request of more than $200 million in state bonding money to invest in its core infrastructure and enhance its competitiveness. This funding will allow the University to continue to provide groundbreaking research and excellent education that will benefit current and future students and faculty, and all Minnesotans.

The cornerstone of the request is $100 million in Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) funds to address safety and maintenance issues for the University's more than 800 buildings and 28 million square feet of building space, which includes some of the state's oldest and most technically complex facilities. The request also includes a new science teaching and student services building along the Mississippi River on the Twin Cities campus; a new civil engineering building on the Duluth campus; the renovation of a gateway center (the former Community Services Building) on the Morris campus; a new facility for the Bell Museum of Natural History on the St. Paul campus; renovation of historic Folwell Hall, the writing and language arts building on the Twin Cities campus; and a variety of other classroom and laboratory renovations.

Between now and January, Governor Pawlenty will develop his recommendations for the state's capital bonding bill. His recommendations are an important first step in ensuring full funding for the University's request at the Minnesota Legislature.

We need your help! Please send Governor Pawlenty a note to ask him to support full funding of the University of Minnesota's 2008 capital request.

Personal letters and e-mails are among the most effective ways to influence elected officials. We have provided sample e-mail text below that you can use to help you tailor your own letter. Remember to use your own stories and anecdotes about why the University is important to you.

Learn more about the University’s Capital Request

View videos about each of the projects in the Capital Request

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As you develop your recommendations for the 2008 state bonding bill, I ask you to support full funding of the University of Minnesota's capital request.

As a citizen of Minnesota, I know that the University of Minnesota is an important state asset. Its buildings, laboratories and classrooms are the tools used to engage in groundbreaking research, innovative education, and outreach and public service. The University must preserve its existing facilities to provide a safe working and learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

State investment in the University of Minnesota is needed to take care of the University's infrastructure and to help meet the current and future needs of students, faculty, staff, and all Minnesotans. I urge you to support full funding of the University of Minnesota's 2008 capital request for the good of all Minnesotans.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 19, 2007