The University of Minnesota students and leaders rallied at the Capitol today, touting the U's role in driving the state's economy and asking for continued funding despite a grim budget.

The rally was smaller than that held last week by students in the state's other public higher education system, MnSCU. I counted about 100 students.

Students and legislators who spoke said funding the U would help keep tuition affordable. Congressman Keith Ellison argued that higher education is a social good.

"If your education benefits society, then society should help pay for your education," he said, to cheering.
A few scenes from the rally: