Education Bill sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus Signed by Governor

JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bill 381, sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, was signed today (7-11) at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg.  SB 381 creates innovation education campuses which will help Missouri students who are interested in careers in the high-tech field.

“SB 381 is easily the most important education bill passed by the General Assembly this year,” said Sen. Kraus. “To give our students the best opportunities and our businesses the best trained workforce, Missouri needs to be a leader in innovative education programs.”

SB 381 puts into state statute an idea already tested in Lee’s Summit, where a four-year university (UCM), a two-year institution (Metropolitan Community Colleges) and a local school district (Lee’s Summit R-7 School District) combine with local businesses to create a six-year program, which includes real-world internships.  A high school freshman joining the program will have a two-year college degree upon graduation and, two years later, will graduate college with a bachelor’s degree and an inside opportunity at a job.

“The beauty of this legislation is that it not only creates an incredible opportunity for these students, but it cuts down the time and cost of their education,” Sen. Kraus said. “Too many young adults graduate with heavy debt.”

Senator Kraus, a UCM graduate, sponsored the legislation in the Senate at the request of UCM President Dr. Chuck Ambrose. Representative Gary Cross, R-Lee’s Summit, handled the bill in the House.

“I was proud to work with UCM, Metropolitan Community Colleges, and some of our local businesses involved in the program to perfect the language in the bill,” said Sen. Kraus. “Rep. Cross did a wonderful job explaining the bill on the House floor. This was a team effort, and I was happy to be part of the team.”