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Press release: Gov. Nixon signs two higher education bills; provisions address performance funding for universities and colleges, increased distance education opportunities

Contact:           Scott Holste, (573) 751-0290

Scott.Holste@mo.gov

Channing Ansley, (573) 751-0290

Channing.Ansley@mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 19, 2014

Gov. Nixon signs two higher education bills; provisions address performance funding for universities and colleges, increased distance education opportunities

Senate Bill 492 and House Bill 1389 are among five bills signed today

JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon today signed five bills into law, including two bills related to higher education. Senate Bill 492 enacts performance funding for Missouri public universities and colleges and continues a student loan forgiveness program for large-animal veterinary students, among other provisions. Gov. Nixon worked with academic leaders to develop a performance-based funding model for higher education to provide funding increases based on specific performance measures.

“Since our summit on higher education three years ago, we have worked successfully with our higher education institutions to develop and implement an outcomes-based funding model that has already improved opportunities for students and returns for taxpayers,” Gov. Nixon said.  “This legislation builds on these efforts and will help ensure Missouri continues to lead the nation in higher education affordability and accountability.”

Following two years of collaborative work with Missouri’s colleges and universities, Gov. Nixon’s administration developed an outcomes-based funding model that changes the way Missouri provides new funding for institutions. The Fiscal Year 2014 budget included a 3 percent increase for higher institutions based on the extent to which they met specific performance goals, including increased student retention, higher graduation rates, and improved learning.

The Governor also signed House Bill 1389 will enable Missouri to enter into a state authorization reciprocity agreement which will help higher education institutions in the state in offering distance education courses to students living in other states.

In addition to those two bills, Gov. Nixon also signed into law:

House Bill 1361, which changes the law regarding insurance;

House Bill 1791, which authorizes the conveyance of certain state property in several counties and the city of St. Louis; and

House Bill 1968, which changes the laws regarding health organizations and risk-based capital.

 

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Follow the Governor on Twitter @GovJayNixon

 

Scott Holste

Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

573-751-0290

scott.holste@mo.gov