 Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development Interim Commissioner Leroy Wade presenting the Governor’s HB 3 Recommendation to the House Appropriations Committee on Education.
IHEs representatives appear before
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Full Budget Committee hears presentation
on FY23 Supplemental Bills, ARPA Reappropriations
On Jan. 23, public higher education representatives provided an overview of Missouri’s institutions. Most notably, Council on Public Higher Education Executive Director Paul Wagner, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi, East Central College President Jon Bauer, and North Central Missouri College President Lenny Klaver thanked Governor Mike Parson and the General Assembly for their generosity toward higher education.
Higher education has seen record-setting investments as the state continues its rebound from the pandemic. For FY24, a seven percent core increase is recommended by the Governor for higher education institutions. In addition, investments through MoExcels ($38.3 million) and capital improvement ($270 million+) are recommended in the FY24 budget request.
“The work we are doing through MoExcels projects, the credentialing through Fast Track, and transformation projects, we are really at a transformational moment in our state,” Choi said.
While most of the hearing focused on the positive fiscal momentum across higher education, Wagner said there are continued concerns about the “backlog of maintenance and repair” issues across the state; the other representatives echoed similar sentiments.
However, the fears expressed paled compared to the excitement around what many feel are down payments toward Missouri’s future economic and workforce success.
In the afternoon, Office of Administration Budget Director Dan Haug covered the Governor’s recommended early supplemental, regular supplemental, and ARPA reappropriations. During the hearing, there were a few questions on the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant and a budget request to continue and use state resources to modernize Missouri’s Job Centers. Early conversations focused on the proposed state employee pay increase, why it is necessary to address reoccurring vacancies, and the need to pay overtime due to current workforce shortages.
“Having to pay time and a half in areas like (the Department of) Corrections, where, due to vacancies, people have to work longer hours — we do not want to burn out our state workers,” Haug said.
The Governor recommends this cost of living pay increase to help address the 7,000 job openings across state government.
Governor’s FY24 Operating Budget Overview
discussed during Senate Appropriations
On Jan. 24, the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), met to hear an overview of the Governor’s FY24 recommended operating budget. There were no questions related to higher education or workforce development. A deeper dive into the budget recommendations for higher education and workforce development is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28.
House General Laws Committee holds public hearing
on athletic competition legislation
On Jan. 24, the General Laws Committee, chaired by Rep. Alex Riley (R-Springfield), considered three bills (HB 170, 183, and 337) that would prohibit K-12 and/or public higher education institutions from allowing an individual of the male gender to participate in a sport designated for the female gender. The bills are sponsored by Reps. Brian Seitz (R-Branson), Jamie Burger (R-Benton), and Bennie Cook (R-Houston). Most interactions were contentious as proponents on both sides voiced their opinions throughout the lengthy discussion.
The General Laws Committee may vote on the bills in the coming weeks.
MDHEWD appears before Education Appropriations Committee;
Governor’s ARPA budget request presented
On Jan. 25, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Interim Commissioner Leroy Wade presented the Governor’s FY24 HB 3 budget requests for the department and higher education institutions before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. The meeting was led by Chairman Ed Lewis (R-Moberly).
As there were many new faces on the subcommittee, Wade provided an overview of the department and the NDIs, which will continue vital investments in higher education and workforce development. Also, in his opening remarks, Wade highlighted the department’s strategic plan and how it will guide MDHEWD’s focus in the coming years.
Also covered were details on the budget requests and the specific programs for higher education and workforce development. Wade’s presentation highlighted the department’s administrative and coordinating functions, key initiative efforts like the MoExcels Workforce Incentive Grant, investments in higher education institutions, and uses of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds provided through the Office of Workforce Development (OWD). You can find a breakdown of higher education and workforce development proposals here.
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