Gov. Blunt Delivers $1.2 Billion Increase for Missouri Students

Gov. Blunt Delivers $1.2 Billion Increase for Missouri Students           JOPLIN—Gov. Matt Blunt today visited Missouri schools to announce his successful effort to provide $1.2 billion in new funding for Missouri education over the last four years, ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed and compete in the global economy.           "Education is the most important investment our state makes, and it is my highest priority," Gov. Blunt said.  "Today I am pleased to sign a budget that delivers to Missouri classrooms more than $1.2 billion in new funding to elementary, secondary and higher education over the last four years.  I commend the members of the General Assembly who share my commitment to ensuring our children receive the world-class education they need in order to reach their full potential."           Gov. Blunt today again delivered on his promise to increase funding for education every year he is governor by signing House Bill 2002, which provides a significant increase in state funding to Missouri's public school system.  House Bill 2002 includes: $121.3 million increase to continue full funding of the foundation formula, bringing total new formula funding under Gov. Blunt's leadership to $490,193,006 which is a 22.5 percent increase over four years. $5.5 million increase for the School District Trust fund.  Over four years, Gov. Blunt has increased funding for this trust fund by $97.3 million which amounts to a 13.8 percent increase. $3.5 million increase for the A+ Schools Program.  Gov. Blunt has increased funding for the A+ Schools Program by $12.7 million over four years which more than doubled funding for the program since he was elected governor. $2.9 million increase to educate severely disabled children bringing the total amount provided by Gov. Blunt to $21 million. $15 million for the Small Schools Program. $5.8 million for the Missouri Virtual School Program (MoVIP), including a $600,000 increase. $1 million for eMINTS in support of the Missouri Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) Initiative. $2.6 million increase for sheltered workshops bring the total amount provided by Gov. Blunt to $5.2 million which equates to a 28 percent increase since the governor was elected.           "Governor Blunt has once again made education the top priority for our state and I am proud to have been able to work with him to greatly increase the level of funding we provide to elementary and secondary public schools as well as our institutions of higher learning. We have made a commitment to the young people of this state and this budget honors that commitment by allocating the funding that will provide them with a better system of education and more opportunities to attend an institution of higher learning," Rep. Allen Icet said.                      The $1.2 billion in total new funding reflects Gov. Blunt's commitment to education and includes: $652.5 million in increases for elementary and secondary education, $218 million in increases for higher education, and $335.3 million for the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative.           Education is Gov. Blunt's highest public policy and budget priority.  Gov. Blunt also has been a champion for higher education in Missouri.  When he took office, he immediately put an end to the previous administration's cuts in higher education.  The governor's support for higher education nearly quadruples funding available for Access Missouri scholarships and provides $105.8 million in new funding for colleges and universities.  Additionally, Gov. Blunt's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative is providing $335 million for colleges and universities across the state for important capital improvement projects on campus. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com