House Higher Education hears HB 682 and votes “do-pass” on “Students’ Right to Know” legislation
On Monday, March 8, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph) heard public testimony on Rep. Jason Chipman’s (R- Steelville) HB 682. The legislation would prohibit any public higher education institution from requiring students to live on campus for more than one year.
During his opening remarks, Rep. Chipman said, “Most of the universities in the state already have [this] policy, and I believe there are only three who require students to live on campus longer.” Rep. Chipman also shared that the schools that require students to live on campus for more than a year cite benefits including better “outcomes” for on-campus students than for those who choose to live off campus. In response to this, Rep. Chipman suggested that correlation is not causation. Rep. Chipman also expressed concern that the requirement has a negative impact on local economies. “There are a lot of potential landlords who are willing to offer their services to students who go to school but are unable to do so because the universities have a monopoly on students living on campus.”
Proponents said they support the bill because of the cost of living on campus and expressed concern that students may choose different universities, potentially out of state, if they are required to live on campus longer than a year. Opponents of the bill said they feel that individual universities should be able to make their own housing policies. Opponents were also concerned with how this bill will negatively affect student outcomes.
During executive session, the committee also voted “do-pass” on HCS for HB 355 which would require the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and public institutions of higher education to annually collect and compile specified information and make it available on the department’s website. There was no discussion and the committee vote was 6-2.
Senate Education Committee hears public testimony on community college service region legislation
On Tuesday, March 9, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-St. Joseph) presented SB 390 before the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina). The bill would put St. Joseph in North Central Missouri College’s (NCMC) service region. St. Joseph is currently in Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) service region.
Sen. Luetkemeyer said in his opening statement, “There is a particular need for well-educated workforce with skills in manufacturing and the construction fields. The community feels that this need is not being met currently by MCC, and that NCMC would be a better partner to bridge the manufacturing and construction gaps that we are seeing in St. Joseph.”
Opponents of the legislation included Brian Millner, president and CEO of the Missouri Community College Association, and MCC’s chancellor, Dr. Kimberly Beatty. Mr. Millner provided background on how the voluntary service regions came into existence and on in-district and out-of-district tuition rates based on taxing district. He also described the legislation’s potential impact on students.
Dr. Beatty provided information about the investment MCC has made in the St. Joseph area, totaling $2 million. She also indicated that MCC has served about 400 students through a partnership with the St. Joseph School District. Dr. Beatty also mentioned a letter from her and NCMC’s president, Dr. Lenny Klaver, indicating its desire to maintain the current service regions and stating that NCMC plans to continue its focus on rural students rather than offering services in St. Joseph.
MDHEWD testifies before Senate Appropriations Committee
On Wednesday, March 10, MDHEWD Commissioner Zora Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to present the department’s FY 2022 budget request and governor’s recommendations. Commissioner Mulligan opened the hearing with an update on the department and institutions’ efforts during the pandemic. There were few questions by committee members. Towards the conclusion of the hearing, Sen. Barbara Washington (D-Kansas City) inquired about the status of Lincoln University’s need for state matching dollars to support their federal land grant funding.
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