Working with the state legislature
I joined our government relations team for the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast last Thursday as the state legislative session started. A number of our area legislators sat at our table and we discussed the great things happening at Missouri State.
Our advocacy efforts did not just begin last week. We met with area legislators throughout the summer and fall. We hosted legislators from around the state at our annual Legislative Briefing in November.
In November and December, we distributed our Guide to Legislative Session to every member of the House and Senate.
We will continue these efforts by meeting with legislators and testifying at hearings in Jefferson City throughout the session.
Our next significant legislative event is our annual Salute to Missouri Governmental Leaders at the men’s basketball game at 3:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at JQH Arena. Please plan to attend the game and recognize our elected officials during halftime.
Legislative priorities for 2016
As you interact with our state legislators, I encourage you to advocate for Missouri State’s legislative priorities. We have two primary priorities for this year:
- Increase Missouri State’s operating appropriation by six percent, allowing the University to keep resident undergraduate tuition flat and to significantly invest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.
- Appropriate $5 million in matching capital funds to upgrade Glass Hall.
These priorities, along with our other government relations documents (including a white paper on Missouri State as the “value option”), can be found in this year’s Guide to Legislative Session. The Guide is also available as a PDF, and printed copies are in the President’s Office.
Concealed carry bills could affect MSU
During the legislative session, we will remain actively engaged on legislation that would have an impact on the University. One such issue that has already arisen relates to concealed weapons on campus. Current law allows public and private universities in Missouri to prohibit concealed firearms on campus.
Two bills have been filed in the House and the Senate to require that universities allow individuals with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on campus.
We have met with a number of legislators about these bills, and we will continue to work with legislators and higher education leaders across the state on this issue. Our goal is to ensure that the law continues to allow universities to enforce appropriate firearms policies to keep campuses safe.
We will keep you apprised of developments with the firearms bills and other legislation. At some point during the legislative session, we may ask you to contact legislators about these bills to discuss their potential impact on our campus community.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!
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