House Prioritizes Education Funding

This week, the House moved to pass another responsible, balanced budget – a promise we have made and continue to keep.  Even in tough economic times we were able to prioritize the state’s responsibilities, especially to our children.

Economists everywhere agree - an educated workforce is what will move our state’s economy forward.  This year we were able to budget a $65 million increase for the Foundation Formula, which provides basic aid to public schools.  All told, we allocated over $3 billion for our public elementary and secondary schools through the Formula.  Furthermore, we also allotted $2.5 million for Teach for America to bring talented, dedicated teachers to our urban areas and another $200,000 will go to the Missouri Charter School Commission.  But education does not end at high school. 

 

To ensure our workforce is prepared for tomorrow’s endeavors, each year we invest significant amounts into our institutions of higher education.  We have a number of campuses across the state, which each have been allocated the following funds:   

 

Community Colleges - $132,467,439

Linn State Technical College - $4,675,115

University of Central Missouri - $53,810,963

Southeast Missouri State University - $44,245,150

Missouri State University - $80,344,961

Lincoln University - $17,704,736

Truman State University - $40,414,289

Northwest Missouri State University - $30,023,979

Missouri Southern State University - $23,171,049

Missouri Western State University - $21,534,608

Harris-Stowe State University - $9,709,803

University of Missouri - $404,027,214

 

In further support of access to higher education, we appropriated a $1 million increase for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program and a $2.4 million increase for Bright Flight scholarships.  While the federal government cut military tuition assistance scholarships in the misguided sequestration, we restored those scholarships for Missouri National Guard members.  

 

In the Missouri House, we are committed to make Missouri’s budget live within its means just like all Missourians do every day when we make decisions on our families’ finances.  Education was made our top priority in the state and this balanced budget has now moved to the Senate where it awaits committee hearings and floor debate.