The Minnesota Senate on Thursday passed a higher education bill that even its chief author didn't like. The bill did not put a lid on tuition, and University of Minnesota officials say their allowance in the measure would force them to raise undergraduate tuition by $1,100 over the next two years.
To be sure, the Senate's bill isn't the final word. The House will pass its own version before a common plan is negotiated and sent to the governor. The Senate also could beef up its plan if it decides to pursue tax increases.