Thank you for your successful support of the University of Minnesota! On April 7, Governor Pawlenty announced his approval of $716.8 million in state bonding, trimming $208 million from the bill sent to him by the Legislature.

This news from St. Paul is good for the University of Minnesota. While the University had hoped for a better outcome for the Bell Museum project and Classroom Improvement funding, which were vetoed by the Governor, we still received support for a host of highly important projects and maintenance programs:

- HEAPR: $35 million

- Science Teaching and Student Services: $48.3 million

- Civil Engineering, UMD: $10 million

- Gateway Center, UMM: $5 million

- Laboratory Renovations: $3.3 million

- Research and Outreach Centers: $3.5 million

The Governor also preserved the Minnesota Biomedical Research Program, a landmark $292 million project ($219 million from the state, plus $73 million funded by the U) to build four world-class science facilities on the East Bank campus.

Please take a moment to thank your legislators and Governor Pawlenty for their support for the University. As always, you have the option of using our sample letter, or drafting your own message.

Thanks again for giving your time and voice to support the U of M. We will continue our pursuit of state funding for the projects that did not pass into law, and we will keep you posted as more news becomes available.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Thank you for your support of the University of Minnesota's 2008 bonding request. The U community is looking forward to delivering on the promise of the projects signed into law, and will continue to promote those projects destined for further consideration. Thanks again for your commitment to higher education in Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 08, 2008