House Committee on Higher Education—Vast Support for Rep. Kendrick’s Work-Study Program Legislation
The House Committee on Higher Education, chaired by Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte), convened on Monday, Jan. 27, to hear testimony on Rep. Kip Kendrick’s (D-Columbia) work-study legislation. HB 1430 would establish a work-study program named for the late Allan Purdy. Any resident of the state enrolled or accepted for enrollment at any accredited institution of higher education would be eligible for the program. Participants could be employed by the institution in which he or she is enrolled, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, or for-profit organizations. The legislation also creates a fund to support resident students and specifies that sixty percent of funds shall be used for students with demonstrated financial need.
According to Rep. Kendrick, this legislation would be an economic driver and help build a skilled workforce in Missouri. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Missouri Community College Association, the Council on Public Higher Education, and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri testified in support of the legislation. No one spoke in opposition.
 Dudley McCarter sits with Sen. Jill Schupp in front of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on Wednesday.
Senate Confirms W. Dudley McCarter to Serve on Coordinating Board for Higher Education
On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Missouri Senate confirmed Dudley McCarter to serve on the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, representing the second congressional district. Mr. McCarter was presented on the Senate floor and before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee by Sen. Jill Schupp (D-St. Louis) on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
House Special Committee on Career Readiness Hears Testimony on Religious Student Association Protections
The House Special Committee on Career Readiness, chaired by Rep. Jason Chipman (R-Steelville), convened on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and heard extensive testimony from bill sponsor, Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove) and those speaking in favor and in opposition to HB 1926. This legislation would prohibit public institutions of higher education from taking any action or enforcing policies that deny a religious student association benefits available to other student associations. The bill also prohibits discrimination against a religious student association based on its requirement that leaders of the association adhere to its sincerely held religious beliefs, religious practice requirements, or religious standards of conduct. The bill also authorizes aggrieved religious student associations to seek appropriate relief in a judicial or administrative proceeding against a public institution of higher learning that violates the requirements of the bill.
The Missouri Catholic Conference, First Amendment Partnership, and Americans for Prosperity spoke in favor of the legislation. Committee discussion focused on expanding the legislation to include all belief-based organizations and not just religious organizations. Those supporting the latter position included Tyler Coward of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. Committee members in favor argued the bill will reinforce constitutional rights of the student religious groups.
Those in opposition question the constitutionality and the objective of the legislation. Samati Miyomchai, Manager of Public Policy at PROMO, expressed concerns that the legislation is discriminatory in nature. Committee members in opposition also argued the legislation should be expanded beyond religious groups to all belief groups. Others speaking in opposition include Jay-Marie Hill of the ACLU and college student representatives.
MDHEWD to appear before the House Subcommittee on Appropriations – Education
On Monday, Feb. 3, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s Commissioner Zora Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade will cover the budget proposal from the governor before the House Budget committee. Watch the stream here: https://www.house.mo.gov/budget.aspx
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