House Budget Committee Sends Budget to Full Missouri House of Representatives
The House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Cody Smith (R-Carthage), convened on Sunday, March 15, to consider the chairman’s amendment and individual committee members’ amendments filed to the underlying budget bill. The chairman’s amendment to HB 2003 made several technical changes and provided a $1 million cost of living adjustment to be distributed across Missouri's public universities.
Other amendments to the bill included language proposed by Rep. John Black (R-Marshfield) that would limit Fast Track grants at private four-year institutions to “not more than the in-state tuition and fees” for the University of Missouri-Columbia. The amendment would also limit the award amount at private two-year institutions to the “most comparable program” at a Missouri public two-year institution. Rep. Black’s amendment was adopted.
In addition, the committee adopted an amendment offered by Rep. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit) that would provide $200,000 for a Kansas City-based project focused on expanding educational curriculum, training, access to capital, and mentoring.
The committee rejected an amendment introduced by Rep. Peter Merideth (D-St. Louis) to reduce funding for Fast Track.
Missouri House Delays Budget Vote
The Missouri House will no longer vote on budget bills this week. Both chambers will be in recess for their legislative spring break next week. At this time, it is unclear when the House will consider the budget legislation amid uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.
|