Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced House passage of more than $2 billion in funding he requested that will allow Minnesota schools to serve more students from diverse backgrounds, and expand Career and Technical Education programs in the region. The funding bill is for Fiscal Year 2020, which is October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020.

Congressman Phillips played a key role in securing the funding by formally requesting the House Appropriations Committee include the following items in the funding bill that passed the House today – and all with substantial increases from their Fiscal Year 2019 levels:

• Federal TRIO programs: $1.1 billion, an increase of $100 million.
  These programs are designed to identify and provide services to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
   
• Career and Technical Education: $1.32 billion, an increase of $47.4 million.
  Federal funding helps community and technical colleges keep tuition rates low, and supports the talent pipeline to local companies in manufacturing, health care, IT and other industries.

These Federal dollars will benefit Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Hennepin Technical College, Normandale Community College, and North Hennepin Technical College.

“As Minnesotans, we value education and preparing the next generation for success in their careers and their lives,” said Phillips. “Our public schools and community and technical colleges ensure that more students have access to the tools and training they need for the 21^st century. This funding helps even more people in our region create better lives for themselves and their families, and takes us one step further toward building a stronger Minnesota.”

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