Senator Pearce to Host Media Availability on Senate Bill 997

Pearce - Media Advisory Banner - 071013

COLUMBIA, MO – On Friday, June 24, State Senator David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, will host media availability on the successful passage and signing of Senate Bill 997, a comprehensive higher education bill. Senator Pearce will be joined by officials from the Department of Higher Education (DHE), administrators and students from the University of Missouri and the Moberly Area Community College and a representative of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

The event will begin with an overview of the legislation’s measures and potential impact to the state education system presented by Sen. Pearce. Informational handouts from the DHE will be provided, followed by a presentation from the attending MU administration members over how this bill will positively impact the University System as well as comments from the higher education representatives present about the components of the bill. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

Senate Bill 997 was largely constructed after the State Coordinating Board for Higher Education’s “Blueprint for Higher Education Report.” The bill will authorize multiple scholarship programs, allow students to enroll in dual credit courses, enable student loan forgiveness for certain students and offer financial aid for veterans and their families, among other provisions. For more information on SB 997, click the following link: https://www.senate.mo.gov/legislation/.

Senate Bill 997 Media Availability

Who: Sen. David Pearce, DHE Acting Director Leroy Wade, MU Vice-Provost for undergraduate studies Jim Spain, MU Assistant to the Provost for the office of community college partnerships Terry Barnes, Brian Crouse of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Chief Academic Affairs Officer at Moberly Area Community College Paula Glover, Executive Director of Associated Students of the University of Missouri Steven Chaffin

When: 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2016

Where: University of Missouri-Columbia’s Reynolds Alumni Center, Donrey Media Room 211

Questions regarding this event may be directed to Matt Michelson (573) 751-2272.