The governor struck down a Republican bill that would have cut funding to the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

This bill is the latest in a series of unsuccessful attempts.

The governor's bonding bill would include $51.3 million for a Physics and Nanotechnology building at the University of Minnesota.

The event at Tony's Diner in Dinkytown will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end with a discussion of the speech.

University President Bob Bruininks will give a school overview to the Senate Higher Education Committee, and a legislative briefing at McNamara Alumni Center this evening.

The Republican legislative leadership announced a plan today to cut about $1 billion in state spending, including continuing about $90 million in unallotments to the University of Minnesota over the next two years.

Democrats tried to push the legislation through before the Republicans take control of Congress next session.

Republican Tom Emmer is likely to concede at his Delano home Wednesday morning.