By: Jeff Achen, UpTake Reporter

As lawmakers present their respective proposals for higher education funding, students representing a handful of Minnesota State universities, from Mankato to Moorhead to Bemidji, completed a 100-mile walk Wednesday.

It’s the fifth time students have made this trek orchestrated by Student United, a non-partisan student group.

State Chair Joe Wolf and State Chair-Elect Faical Rayani led fellow students from the campus of Mankato State University to the steps of the capital in St. Paul. Billed as “Fund the Future: 100 miles for Tuition Relief,” the journey from Mankato State University to the State Capitol Building took nine students four days to complete.

GOP Higher Education Budget Below Governor Dayton’s Request

The omnibus higher education bill is currently stalled in the Senate where Republicans hold a one vote majority. Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is absent because her father is ill and the bill probably wouldn’t pass without her vote.

The Republican higher education budget is about $100 million less than what Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has requested. Senator Nick Frentz- D-Mankato hopes that students trekking to the Capitol will help break the deadlock between Dayton and Republicans. “Talking about the things that matter to Minnesotans will hopefully bring the two sides together before May 22nd when we have to adjourn.”