State Legislative Agenda

In 2024, Students United has committed to advocating for policies at the state level that support students’ basic needs, college affordability, the rights of student loan borrowers, and investment in our Minnesota State System.

Enhancing Students’ Access to SNAP Benefits

Too many students across our seven universities live with the daily burden of food insecurity and, as a result, suffer worse academic outcomes and struggle to complete their degrees. This crisis impacts over a quarter of students in Minnesota, and it’s time to act. Specifically, Students United calls on Minnesota’s lawmakers to clarify state law and allow more low-income, food-insecure students to access this federal benefit.

Expanding Minnesota’s Borrower Bill of Rights

With almost $30 billion in collectively held outstanding loan debt, the student debt crisis is a reality experienced by thousands of Minnesotans, especially the more than 85,000 Minnesotans in delinquency. Minnesota’s student loan borrowers owe an average of $37,492 for state college students. Students United asks lawmakers to expand the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, establish an individual right of action, and clarify Minnesota’s student loan ombudsperson’s market monitoring authority.

Universal FAFSA Requirement

Fewer than half of Minnesota high school students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), putting Minnesota 40th in the country for FAFSA completion as of 2023. As a result, Minnesota’s graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 left nearly $100 million of federal student aid on the table. Under universal FAFSA, high schools would integrate FAFSA completion into their senior graduation and post-secondary planning process, requiring seniors to complete the FAFSA or an application for state financial aid before graduation unless they complete a “no questions asked” opt-out form or are issued a hardship waiver.

Supporting Minnesota State’s Bonding and Supplemental Budget Requests

These resources will ensure that Minnesota State can maintain safe and adequate campus buildings, which are crucial to the student experience, and continue to deliver high-quality academic programs.