Missouri Budget Update: Conference Committee Adopts Senate Position

Hello Truman Community!

I am very happy to report that it was the decision of the conference committee for HB 2003 (the bill to fund higher education) to go with the Senate position of flat core funding for public higher education institutions.  That means flat core funding for public higher education institutions is what will be included in the General Assembly budget that is sent to the Governor by May 8.  Flat core funding is what the Governor recommended.  The Governor has until June 30 to sign the budget.

Truman is enormously appreciative of the conference committee’s decision and the fantastic support of Senators O’Laughlin and Nurrenbern, as well as many other members of the legislature who backed our efforts.

The conference committee also added language to the bill that directs the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) to

…develop and submit an objective, formula-driven funding model for the allocation of state appropriations to public institutions of higher education… and shall establish a transparent methodology for distributing such funds… The department shall consult with public institutions of higher education, the coordinating board for higher education, members of the general assembly, and other relevant stakeholders in the development of the funding model(s). No later than December 1, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives detailing: The proposed funding formula, and simulated institutional funding allocations based on fiscal year 2027 appropriations.

Truman has already been in multiple discussions with DHEWD about what is important in a funding formula, and we have a representative on a select DHEWD committee that is examining components of a formula.

I am deeply grateful for all the support Truman has received and for all the ways people shared with the legislature what an impressive and invaluable institution we are.  Thank you for making Truman the amazing institution it is!

Wishing you a successful and joyful end to the semester,
Sue