Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation Expanding Access to Higher Education for Missouri

Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation Expanding Access to Higher Education for Missouri Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office Press Release Governor Delivers $1.2 Billion Increase for Missouri Students           JOPLIN—Gov. Matt Blunt today further expanded access to higher education for Missouri students by signing House Bill 2003, which increases funding for Missouri's two- and four-year colleges and universities and provides a significant increase in scholarship funding.  With this budget, as he outlined in his State of the State Address, Gov. Blunt has delivered a total increase of $1.2 billion to support education in Missouri, ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed and compete in the global economy.           "Access to higher education is essential to the future success of Missouri students," Gov. Blunt said.  "Our significant investment in higher education is an investment in Missouri's future and enables us to provide students with a world-class education."            "We increased college scholarships through the A+ and Access Missouri programs as well as increased the budgets for higher education institutions to help make college more affordable," Sen. Gary Nodler said. "Plus, we have continued our commitment to fully fund a new school funding formula that gives all our children an equal opportunity for a great education."           House Bill 2003 provides, among other things, the governor's recommendations for: $43 million increase for Missouri's public two- and four-year higher education institutions.  Gov. Blunt has increased funding over the last four years for two- and four-year institutions by $105.8 million which is a significant 12.4 percent increase. $23.7 million increase for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, allowing additional students access to higher education, bringing total funding to $95.8 million.  Gov. Blunt has nearly quadrupled funding for needs-based scholarships since he became governor by providing an additional $71 million for students. $437,640 increase for the Missouri Telehealth Network, which enhances access to medical care to people in underserved areas. $1.6 million in total funding for the Missouri State Historical Society which includes a $100,000 increase.  Over the last four years Gov. Blunt has increased funding for the Missouri State Historical Society by $696,960 which equates to a more than 75 percent increase.             House Bill 2003 confirms what Gov. Blunt said to lawmakers in his State of the State Address, "By passing my budget, you will ensure, once again, that Missouri teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed. And when passed, we will have achieved a remarkable feat. By having the vision to look ahead and the fortitude to keep our commitments to the people of Missouri, we will have increased our total investment in education by $1.2 billion."             The $1.2 billion in total new funding reflects Gov. Blunt's commitment to education and includes: $652.5 million for Elementary and Secondary Education, $218 million for Higher Education and $335.3 million for the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com