House Higher Education Committee meets,
discusses first bills of 2023
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), considered HB 515 and HB 76. HB 515, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker), would establish a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant within the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (DHEWD) that would provide up to $2,000 to students who are in STEM-related fields and recipients of Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program funds. Access Missouri is a need-based financial aid program to assist students in paying for their postsecondary pursuits. During the hearing, most legislators shared their support for the legislation.
“I love the idea; we need to put some resources [towards this proposal],” said Rep. Dale Wright (R-Farmington).
However, Ranking Member Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Hillsdale) questioned whether the proposal highlights a need to invest more in the Access Missouri program.
“The support of this proposal, [are you] saying that Access Missouri in [and of] itself is falling behind the times in how much money it’s giving to students?” Rep. Windham said while questioning a witness supporting the bill.
While the bill sponsor and the committee members realized $2,000 is “not a lot” when considering the cost of attending a college or university, members recognized every investment helps.
“For a student who had to pay his way through college, even $500 makes a big difference,” Rep. Mayhew said.
Representatives from the University of Central Missouri, UM System, American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri, and Missouri Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the legislation; there was no one in opposition.
Later in the hearing, Rep. Ann Kelley (R-Lamar) presented her legislation to expand the A+ Scholarship Program of approved institutions and programs a student may attend. The bill defines “eligible program of study” to include programs that result in an undergraduate degree or a certificate or credential, as described in the bill, and requires DHEWD to establish, by rule, procedures for the reimbursement of tuition, books, and fees, to all approved institutions.
Currently, only public community colleges, vocational/technical schools, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools can participate in the program. At this time, the bill sponsor recognizes the legislation needs changes before coming before the committee in executive session. Many legislators on the committee spoke favorably regarding the concept of the bill. Still, some in attendance shared concerns about the cost to implement and the need to focus on the financial aid programs already in place. The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City spoke in favor of the legislation; the Missouri Community College Association spoke in opposition.
Other Updates:
- The hearing on SB 136, legislation that modifies provisions relating to workforce development in elementary and secondary education, was postponed this week.
- The Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee postponed its meeting this week. Therefore, consideration of former senator David Sater, nominee for the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, has been delayed.
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HB 183, legislation that initially established guidelines for K-12 student participation in athletic contests organized by sex, was expanded during the House General Laws executive session. The new House Committee Substitute for HB 183 now would impact higher education institutions (public and private). Specifically, “no postsecondary educational institutions shall allow any student to compete in an athletic competition that is designated for the biological sex opposite to the student’s biological sex as correctly stated on the student’s official birth certificate.” The legislation was voted “do-pass” and will be added to the House calendar next week.
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