The MU Student Center was packed at 5 p.m. today with students, faculty, legislators and press for the discussion of House Bill 253, which if passed would raise tuition prices 8-16 percent.
Students, faculty members, press and legislators all attended the conference. Photo by Jamie Hergenrader
Tim Wolfe, president of the University of Missouri system began speaking about the potential effects of this bill. He listed negative consequences such as a decrease in the amount of financial aid offers, a decrease in faculty members hired and the chance of class sizes growing, affecting classroom learning.
“We need to increase the percentage of adults who have a college education,” said Tim Wolfe in his speech. “It’s important for our economic vitality to have a more educated workforce.”
After stating all of his beliefs about the effect of the bill, he concluded that the most important part of the process for students is to stay informed and make a decision that will personally suit each individual.
Chancellor Brady Deaton is speaking at the conference about the House Bill 253. Photo by Jamie Hergenrader
Brady Deaton then stood at the lectern to discuss his views on the bill. “We are in strong shape as a university now,” he said. “We do not want to be weakened.”
Finally, three legislators spoke about the bill and then stayed for a Q&A session. Legislators included Representative John Wright, Representative Caleb Rowden and Representative Chris Kelly.
Representatives John Wright, Caleb Rowden and Chris Kelly answer questions after each stated his views on the bill. Photo by Jamie Hergenrader
Each had a different view on the bill. Wright stated that the bill was well-intentioned but should be aside another year after revisions. Next, Rowden stated his beliefs that the governor exaggerates the severity of the bill, and life will go on after House Bill 253 but that in the next year, another bill should be passed that would provide more incentives for people to come to school on Missouri and keep their skills and talents in Missouri as well. The last of the representatives to speak was Kelly, who stated the the bill would raise taxes on textbooks, prevent raises for faculty members and make it more difficult to recruit new faculty to the university.
It was delivered to the Secretary of State on June 5 after being vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon, and there is not currently an upcoming hearing scheduled.
