Update: Proposed Change to Missouri Higher Education Funding Model

Dear Truman Community:

I want to update you on the status of the higher education FTE funding formula proposed by House Budget Chair Deaton.  The House of Representatives barely advanced its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, containing the FTE funding formula.  The House version now moves on to the Senate, where it has already been met with strong bipartisan opposition and weak support.

One of Truman’s biggest supporters is our Senator, Cindy O’Laughlin, who also serves as President Pro Tempore.  She shared a message of support last week, noting that Truman prepares exactly the kind of graduates we need at this time.  Senator O’Laughlin has been a staunch advocate for Truman, and we are very grateful to have her support in the Capitol.

For weeks, I and our lobbyists in Jefferson City have been meeting with members of House and Senate leadership, members of the House Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Governor’s Office to provide a clear understanding of who Truman is, what we do, and our impressive accomplishments; why our funding is the way it is; and our support for a funding formula that contains relevant outcome measures and works for all Missouri public colleges and universities.  Through our efforts and those of our higher education colleagues, including the University of Missouri, other four-year universities, and the community colleges, we are making great strides in our advocacy.

The next step in the budget process is for the House Budget bills to be assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee.  While there are no guarantees, the FTE funding formula is not expected to be included in the Senate version of the state budget, so there is no expectation that Truman will lose 53% of our funding.

I am so appreciative of all the people who have expressed support for Truman.  We have an amazing extended Bulldog family.  I will keep you updated, and you can check out the FAQs added to the website.  I expect to have positive news to share in the coming weeks.

With great Truman pride,
Sue