WARRENSBURG — University of Central Missouri leaders expressed their appreciation for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and state legislators’ work to develop a $35.6 billion Fiscal Year 2022 state budget that includes the highest increase in a decade in total funding for Missouri colleges and universities.
The budget signed June 30 by Gov. Parson is based on an estimated $972 million record surplus in general revenue above projections.
The impact on higher education will include
$20.2 million in additional funds for four-year universities, $10 million more for community colleges and $2 million for the State Technical College.
It also provides $13.2 million to allow for growth in the A+ Schools Scholarship Program and $3.9 million more for the “Bright Flight” scholarship program for high-achieving students.
“Higher education remains the most impactful pathway for creating a sustainable, vibrant economy for the state and for transforming families’ socio-economic well-being,” said Roger Best, UCM president. “I am confident this investment in higher education will be returned to the state many times over and we appreciate the vision of Governor Parson and the Missouri Legislature in working to secure Missouri’s future.”
Best said the state budget provides an increase of 3.7 percent in core funding for UCM, which amounts to $2.047 million.
It also includes $405,000 in MoExcels funding for Allied Health, which will benefit UCM’s nursing program at the Missouri Innovation Campus; $5 million for additional improvements to the Wilson C. Morris Science Building; and $1 million for planning, design and construction of the new aviation education center at Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport.
“Even in difficult times, it is important that Governor Parson and the Missouri legislature demonstrate that higher education is an important step to improve our economy and the quality of life in Missouri,” David Pearce, executive director for governmental relations. “This budget certainly shows support for what we’re doing at UCM to contribute to a strong state. We want to thank our local delegation of Senator (Denny) Hoskins and Representatives (Dan) Houx and (Kurtis) Gregory for their support.”
