Administrative 'bloat' criticism could hurt University of Minnesota at Capitol

ST. PAUL — State budget leaders have a message for the University of Minnesota: The money won't come easy.

The university already faced a difficult outlook in its funding quest thanks to a $1.1 billion budget deficit. Now, the university is being grilled about its cost-efficiency after the Wall Street Journal last month reported its administration grew almost twice as fast as its student body in the past decade.

Democrats and Republicans are calling for more scrutiny of administrative costs before budget hearings begin.

University President Eric Kaler says claims of administrative bloat are unfair.

The university will seek $1.2 billion for its two-year budget — 8 percent more than it received in 2011.

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