This month students are visiting the state Capitol and writing thank you letters to legislators — it's all about the State Grant program, which helps keep college affordable for low- and middle-income families.

Top higher education topics at the Legislature this session will likely be bonding requests from the public systems — and the visions of their new leaders.

Appropriations as a percent of our state's gross domestic product have shrunk to levels last seen in the late 1960s. This may be a troubling trend for Minnesota's economic future.

To help address increased demand and a shortfall in the State Grant program, funding was increased by $21 million or 7.3% for the next biennium.

The House and Senate have reached an agreement on how to reconcile the differences between the two chambers' budget proposals. But much uncertainty remains at the Capitol, with no overall budget agreement in sight.

Much remains in flux at the Capitol this session, but there has been strong support so far for preserving funding for need-based aid by the Minnesota State Grant program. Students helped make the case at five Days at the Capitol.