Governor and Department Priority Fast Track Legislation Perfected in the Senate
On Wednesday, Feb. 16, the Missouri State Senate perfected SB 672, which would extend the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program with modifications. The key changes to the program under the legislation are:
- Removes the promissory note and loan conversion component; this is replaced with a requirement that the student must be a Missouri resident for at least two years prior to receiving the Fast Track grant. The promissory note created a significant obstacle for students and slowed the program’s growth.
- Provides that active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been transferred to Missouri or their spouses are not subject to the two-year residency requirement.
- Extends the program’s sunset to seven years.
The compromise came after two days of floor discussion and proposed amendments by legislators. The agreement was reached by Sens. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) and Denny Hoskins (R- Warrensburg).
The perfected legislation also maintains the original and Senate Committee Substitute language which:
- Allows eligible individuals who are participating in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship to be reimbursed for education-related costs such as tools, books, and uniforms.
- Expands eligibility to qualifying students participating in a training program approved under the Office of Workforce Development’s Eligible Training Provider System.
SB 672 also includes other provisions related to economic development, including establishment of the “Targeted Industrial Manufacturing Enhancement Zones Act,” and the creation of a Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development.
SB 672 will likely be third-read and passed by the Senate next week.
House Higher Education Committee Hears Public Testimony on Campus Speech and AP Credit Legislation
On Monday, Feb. 17, the House Higher Education Committee considered HB 2105, sponsored by Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles). The legislation creates the “Missouri Censorship Prohibition Act,” which would prevent a public higher education institution from censoring a speaker based solely on their political persuasions, party affiliation, or ideology that can be found in a “major American political party platform.”
The sponsor indicated that his intent is for the legislation to protect an individual who receives an invitation to speak at an institution from being disallowed for having views contrary to that of the institution’s leadership. When asked what would be covered under the legislation, Rep. Schnelting indicated the “social norms that can be found in the major political platforms” rather than those of “a fringe group coming out.”
While legislators like Rep. John Black (R-Marshfield) agreed with the legislation’s approach, others including Rep. Joe Adams (D-University City) questioned the clarity and effectiveness of the bill. “I’m having great trouble trying to understand what you are trying to do here,” said Rep. Adams.
Rep. Schnelting pointed to examples of situations where his legislation would apply, including Wichita State University’s decision to remove Ivanka Trump as their commencement speaker and former Governor of Nebraska Bob Kerrey’s decision to cancel his speech at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The committee also considered Rep. Chris Brown’s (R-Kansas City) HB 1683, which would require in-state public higher education institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 3 or higher on advance placement examinations. Several high school and college students spoke in favor of the legislation. The committee discussed allowing institutions to require higher scores in courses that are in their major or essential building blocks to be successful in a particular field of study.
Governor’s Priority Legislation Considered by the Senate Education Committee
On Tuesday, Feb. 15, the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin (R- Shelbina), considered SB 703, sponsored by Sen. Karla Eslinger (R- Wasola). The legislation is a priority of Gov. Mike Parson and addresses topics related to career and academic planning for a student’s life after high school. As described in the Feb. 4 legislative update, the bill requires students to develop Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs), complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to graduate with exemptions, and require MDHEWD to help high school students enrolled in career and technical education programs complete an application for aid under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
“This legislation is all about making sure students know their options,” shared Sen. Eslinger during the hearing.
Groups that spoke and submitted testimony in favor of the legislation included:
- Otto Fajen - Missouri NEA
- Cade Tremain – University of Central Missouri
- Scott Kimble - Missouri Association of School Administrators
- Stacey Preis - Aligned
- Gerren McHam - Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
- Matt Michelson - Missouri State Teachers Association
- Ross Lien - Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Chris Roepe - Missouri Community College Association
- Michael Harris - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Brandt Shields - Missouri School Boards Association
- Jack Gamble - Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education
- Paul Wagner - Council on Public Higher Education
No legislators or members of the public spoke in opposition.
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