JEFFERSON CITY — It has taken lots of work to create a funding model for higher education in Missouri that takes into account such factors as student retention and course completion. However, the 14-member Joint Committee on Education took on that charge to fulfill the requirements of last year’s House Bill 1731. One of the most important recommendations was performance-based funding for our state’s higher education institutions.

I filed Senate Bill 437, a bill that incorporates many of the ideas of the joint committee’s report.  This week, the Senate discussed SB 437. One more affirmative vote will move it to the House for its consideration.

Performance-based funding for higher education has been adopted by about 30 other states. The growing movement continues because it places the responsibility of success on the individual school. For lawmakers trying to balance a tight budget, placing funding outcomes in the hands of the schools themselves seemed the best solution.

To improve efficiency in our higher education institutions, we must improve retention numbers, along with graduation rates. In order to remain competitive in a global economy, we need to make sure that our state’s students are receiving the best education for their dollar, as well as minimizing the amount of student debt that seems to be ratcheting ever higher.

Missouri is home to 13 public four-year universities or colleges. A great education is never too far away for anyone looking for a school in the Show-Me State. From community colleges to competitive-entry universities, students can find the level of education they desire. With SB 437, we will enable schools to prove their dedication to the students of the Show-Me State, as well as the economic future of higher education institutions and Missouri as a whole.

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.