Legislative Network Update – 5.15.2023
State Legislative Budget Update
The General Assembly completed its work on the FY 24 budget. Next stop is the Governor’s desk. Since most of the items in the completed budget were in the Governor’s budget, we expect him to sign the bill.
The Governor is pro higher education, it’s a part of his work force agenda. So, it’s a very positive budget for Missouri State and all of Missouri higher education. We also have a tremendous local coalition of senate and house members – both Republican and Democrat - who not only work hard for Springfield, but also for higher education.
The DEI language that was attached by the House to most of the budget bills was eliminated by the Senate budget committee which is chaired by Senator Lincoln Hough. He stood firm on principle and guided the committee through a challenging process. He did masterful work in guiding the FY24 budget through the Senate and to the Governor’s desk.
The DEI language was not reinstated during the budget conference process between the House and Senate.
Here are the final details of the budget as they apply to Missouri State:
- A 7% core increase for all public colleges and
- An additional 2% core increase to be distributed to public universities through the performance funding formula under development.
- A $2 million MoExcels grant for a construction education and training
- An additional $17.5 million for the Center for Transformational Education for Life, Physical, and Health Sciences.
- $75,000 for reimbursement of tuition reductions for veterans
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our legislative team and supporters, Missouri State University had a banner legislative session. Our budget priorities were funded and no adverse legislation was passed that negatively effects the university.
Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support.