This is the last week of the state legislative session. We had two legislative priorities this year.

Our first priority was to advocate for funding from the state. In January, Governor Greitens announced his budget recommendations. Those recommendations reduced Missouri State’s operating appropriation by $6.5 million.

Immediately, we began to advocate for the legislature to restore that cut. I am pleased to report that these efforts were successful.

Last week the legislature passed a budget that restores the reduction proposed by the governor. Our line item funding for the collaborative mechanical engineering program was also partially restored and rolled into our core operating appropriation.

We also advocated for the legislature to fund a one-time matching appropriation to build a facility on the university’s Bull Shoals Field Station. Last week the legislature also passed a capital bill that included a $1.1 million appropriation for that project.

I want to say a big thank you to our local legislators on budget and appropriations committees. Special thanks to Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, Rep. Lyle Rowland, Sen. David Sater and Sen. Mike Cunningham who advocated on these committees for funding for Missouri State.

Paving the way for our academic future

Our second priority was to advocate that our statutory degree restrictions be modified.

As you’ll recall, statutes have historically limited Missouri State’s ability to develop graduate and professional degree programs. We have worked very hard over the last three years to get these statutory restrictions modified.

This year the legislature passed a bill that allows Missouri State significantly more flexibility to offer doctorate and professional degree programs. The bill eliminates the statutory prohibitions and replaces them with a statewide framework. That framework creates a pathway for Missouri State to offer practice-based doctorate programs like doctorates in education, business and health fields.

This bill will pave the way for Missouri State’s academic future. Special thanks to Rep. Todd Richardson, Rep. Kevin Austin, Rep. Steve Cookson, Sen. Jay Wasson and Sen. Gary Romine who demonstrated extraordinary leadership on this important issue.

Bills await governor’s approval

The budget bills and the degree bill will be delivered to the governor for signature or veto in the next several weeks. In addition to his veto power, the governor can withhold appropriations at any time during the fiscal year, so the state budget situation remains uncertain. We will remain engaged with the governor’s office to advocate that he sign the bills and release all appropriated funds.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!