House Subcommittee on Appropriation – Education holds markup on HB 3
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the House Subcommittee on Appropriation – Education, chaired by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly), considered amendments to the Governor’s recommended budget under HB 3. During the hearing, members passed an amendment that would eliminate Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant funding in FY24. The reason for the reduction was based on the program’s current fund balance; it is anticipated that further Fast Track discussion will unfold in the coming weeks. Included in HB 3 were the following higher education provisions:
- $600,000 – NDI for the Missouri Returning Heroes Program. The program provides reduced tuition for certain combat veterans attending public institutions of higher education. Subsequently, the funding would reimburse public institutions for 50 percent of the difference between the original tuition and fee costs and the provided reduced amount.
- $300,000 – NDI for a Social Worker Pilot Program. The purpose of the funding is to establish a social worker program in western Missouri that “awards up to the cost of coursework tuition and general fees for participants.”
- $200,000 – UM Fire and Rescue Training Institute (FRTI). Funding for this program was removed from the UM System core and earmarked for the training institute. The FRTI provides effective, standards-based, quality training and education to fire and emergency service professionals.
An amendment to fund an additional $50,000 to the Workforce Autism Program line-item (current awardee Tailor Institute) and $500,000 for the creation of a new computer programming education in southeast Missouri was withdrawn and will undergo further consideration before the full House Budget Committee.
The department anticipates another hearing before the full House Budget Committee by the end of February.
Upcoming Higher Education and Workforce Development Hearings
- On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Andrew Koenig (R – Manchester), will consider SB 136, legislation that modifies provisions relating to workforce development in elementary and secondary education. The bill includes:
- a provision that would require each school district to establish a process in which a student completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student is exempt from the requirement under certain circumstance;
- and requires students to complete an individual career and academic plan (ICAP) with assistance from the student's parent or guardian and the school's counselors.
- On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, chaired by Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia), will consider and report upon gubernatorial appointments. Included on the appointment schedule is former senator David Sater, nominee for the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Sater would replace board member Joe Cornelison, who has served since 2017.
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