Missouri Legislative Session Comes to an End
Last week marked the end of my last Session as your state senator, and the culmination of a 14-year career as a member of the Missouri General Assembly. Moving into this next phase of my life is both emotional and exciting, and I would like to extend a very heartfelt “thank you” to my family, Senate colleagues, staff, friends, constituents, neighbors and fellow Missourians for making my time here in the Capitol so memorable.
I have been blessed for many years to represent the good people of Missouri, first as a member of the House of Representatives, and most recently, as a member of the Senate. Looking back on my career, I would like to think that my colleagues and I have left a lasting, positive effect on this state and the many residents who call it home. Throughout my time in office, I have focused on improving Missouri’s education system. I’m happy to say that my comprehensive higher education bill, which was passed on the last day of this Session, will do exactly that.
Senate Bill 997 will enact multiple measures affecting Missouri colleges and universities, as well as the thousands of students across the state. This bill draws much of its inspiration from the Coordinating Board for Higher Education’s (CBHE) “Blueprint for Success” report.
Initiatives like the “15 to Finish Act” and the “Guided Pathways to Success Act” are reauthorized under SB 997. These programs help encourage students to finish their degrees, and also offer them the support they need to be successful in school. The bill would also allow students to engage in dual credit programs, which allow them to gain college credits from certain certified classes while still enrolled in high school.
Informational guideline updates contained with SB 997 will work to make the whole university system more transparent. The bill requires the Department of Higher Education (DHE) to develop guidelines for employers offering public service loan forgiveness to better inform employees. It would also require the DHE to make an online list of public and private institutions’ academic information. There is a massive amount of information that current and prospective college students need to know when navigating their academic careers. This measure would help simplify that process.
One of the other main goals of this legislation is to improve access into the higher education system for families looking to attain an affordable education. Under SB 997, the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant program will be reauthorized to provide financial aid to veterans’ spouses and children who are seeking a college education. War affects all members of a family, and many relatives of veterans have difficulty at home as a direct result of the tragedy and sacrifice of conflict. This program would help give wartime sufferers the assistance they need to afford a better future.
I am very pleased that the General Assembly was able to get this legislation moved forward and am grateful for all of the lawmakers and Missouri citizens who helped make it a realization. I am confident that the governor will sign this legislation due to his previous support of higher education. Thank you all again for your support throughout the years. It’s been a true honor serving as your District 21 senator, and I look forward to seeing you in the days to come.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or
(573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Caldwell, Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Ray and Saline counties in the 21st State Senatorial District.