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Mizzou Alumni Association
Mizzou Legislative Network
2013 Legislative Platform
The University of Missouri serves a unique role as Missouri’s largest public research, land-grant University. Even in challenging economic times, the state must provide predictable and stable funding for higher education and must continue to reinvest in Mizzou. MLN, in support of the best interests and traditions of MU, recognizes the University of Missouri System's 2013 Legislative Priorities and shall partner with the UM System to advance those priorities beneficial to the University of Missouri, the state’s flagship university.
Maintaining funding for the University’s core operating budget is the highest priority. The Mizzou Legislative Network supports the UM System’s request to protect the core appropriation of $400.3 million for the FY2014 operating budget.
- Higher education should be spared additional cuts even in difficult budget times. The University continues to educate more students each year and contribute substantially to Missouri’s economic development and job growth while operating at state funding levels at FY1999 levels. The core operating budget should be level funded for FY2013-14.
- MLN supports the University’s additional core request of $17.6 million that will provide funding for several initiatives including an annual merit and inflation increase for competitive salaries and benefits for faculty and staff.
- MLN also supports the University’s request for $55.2 million in additional funds to invest in programs to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and research capacity; and $10.3 million for Caring for Missourians to help increase the number of graduates in health-related fields.
The Mizzou Legislative Network supports creative funding opportunities for higher education capital project needs, including a bonding plan to support top priority projects and the appropriation of state matching funds to leverage private support for construction and renovation projects.
- MLN supports top priority UM renovation and construction projects, including the College of Engineering-Lafferre Hall-Reconstruction, Additions & Renovations ($54.7 million).
- As institutions bring forward capital projects with private support in hand, MLN urges the legislature to appropriate state matching funds as part of the new 50-50 capital matching program.
The Mizzou Legislative Network supports a statutory change to give Missouri counties the ability to form single or multi-county districts for delivery of local MU Extension Education Programs. The district law would increase efficiencies by encouraging counties to collaborate across governmental lines and would allow councils new funding options.
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