Senate Appropriations Committee Amend HCS for HB 3
The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), convened on Tuesday, April 18, to mark up HB 3, which includes funding for the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, workforce programs, student financial aid programs, and public colleges and universities. The committee carried over many House recommendations to the bill but made significant changes.
Notable changes from the House’s recommendations include:
- $38.3 million for MoExcels—the funding amount restores House reductions and would fund all public higher education institutions’ project requests included in the Governor’s recommendation.
- $4.7 million for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program, restoring the scholarship’s full funding recommendation by the Governor and department.
- $1 million for the FY23 funded nursing simulation project.
- $2.5 million towards the proposed P20W data system would allow Missourians to analyze de-identified information from multiple state agencies to make informed decisions about education, workforce, social services, and many other areas.
- $250K for the workforce autism program.
- $3 million in GR towards Apprenticeship Missouri to provide a stable funding stream to continue building the program for Missouri’s citizens and employers; the funding will also provide additional flexibility to reach new citizens.
- $8.2 million towards various workforce, job development, and training programs.
- 7% core inflationary adjustment for public universities restored and decoupled from performance funding.
- $2.1 million for Lincoln University’s core funding.
- $5 million towards UM System Extension.
- $15 million for MU eMints.
- A necessary DHEWD employee pay plan fund-switch.
- Funding removed from the House Substitute for HB 3:
- $100K for the department Student Journey Mapping request.
- $300K for a social work program in St. Joseph.
- $2.3 million towards precision health and agriculture sciences at UM.
On Wednesday, April 19, the Senate Appropriations Committee reconvened to consider language amendments to HB 3 and other budget bills. During this discussion, the Senate removed language the House included in all budget bills stating, “No funds shall be expended for staffing, vendors, consultants, or programs associated with “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion,” or “Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging,” or any other initiative which similarly promotes: 1) the preferential treatment of any individual or group of individuals based upon race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry; 2) the concept that disparities are necessarily tied to oppression; 3) collective guilt ideologies; 4) intersectional or divisive identity activism; or, 5) the limiting of freedom of conscience, thought, or speech. This does not prohibit the department from following federal and state employment and anti-discrimination laws.”
Next week, the full Missouri Senate will consider the amended HB 3 and have an opportunity to offer amendments on the floor.
HB 1038 passes on House Floor, Reported and First Read in the Senate
On Monday, April 17, the Missouri House third read and passed HB 1038. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis), creates and authorizes the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act", relating to a tax credit for employing interns and apprentices. Under the legislation, beginning January 1, 2024, taxpayers may claim a credit against their state taxes equal to $1,500 for each intern or apprentice hired at a pay rate equal to or greater than minimum wage. The legislation requires applicants meet specific parameters and the Departments of Economic Development and Revenue administer the program.
The legislation now awaits a committee assignment in the Senate.
Other Updates:
- On Thursday, April 20, the House Rules – Legislative Oversight Committee reported SB 39, establishing guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex, do-pass. The legislation must only pass the House floor before it is “truly agreed to and finally passed” and sent to the governor.
- The Missouri House third read and passed HBs 17-20, which includes re-appropriations, capital improvement, and American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Senate Appropriations Committee expects to begin consideration of the bills late next week.
|
