Legislative Network Update – 1.25.2023

MSU Legislative Network Newsletter

The Missouri legislative session began on January 4. 

Our priorities for this year include: 

  • A 7% core operating appropriation increase 
  • A $2 million one-time appropriation to establish a construction education and training hub through the MoExcels program 
  • A $17.5 million capital appropriation to partially fund the renovation of Roy Blunt Hall and Cheek Hall 

In the fall and throughout the beginning of legislative session we met with Governor Parson and our legislators to advocate for these priorities. 

GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS 

Last week Governor Parson delivered the State of the State address. He summarized his plans for investment in this year’s budget. 

I am pleased to report that Governor Parson included all three of our priorities in his budget recommendations. I hope you will join me in thanking Governor Parson for once again supporting higher education and Missouri State University. 

The complete executive budget and Governor’s Parson’s budget and legislative priorities can be found online. 

The budget will now move to the House Subcommittee on Appropriations – Education. It will then go to the House Budget Committee before being voted on the House floor. 

FEDERAL BUDGET INCLUDES SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL FUNDING FOR MSU 

On Dec. 29, President Joe Biden signed all 12 appropriations bills for FY2023. 

I am pleased to report that the bills include the following appropriations for MSU championed by Sen. Roy Blunt: 

  • $35 million for renovations to Blunt Hall, Cheek Hall, and other STEM and health facilities on the Springfield campus. 
  • An additional $3 million for endowed faculty chairs in CNAS. 
  • $1.5 million for the ASCEND program in West Plains. 

The bills also include $2 million to white box the third floor of the Brewer Science Annex at JVIC. Rep. Billy Long championed this appropriation. 

Finally, the bills include $36 million in funding for research by our partners at JVIC. 

The funding in the FY2023 appropriation package represents a huge investment in our university that would not have been possible without the important leadership of Sen. Blunt and Rep. Long. 

Their service in the Congress ended earlier this year. It is an understatement to say that they will be greatly missed.