Missouri State renews contract with longtime lobbyist

The board voted June 20 to extend Burch’s contract for another year, from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2009.

During that period, Burch will be paid $78,849, a 4 percent increase from the current year. The increase is consistent with the 4 percent merit pool provided for MSU employees, according to a news release.

“We continue to be pleased with Jerry Burch’s work on behalf of the university,” MSU President Michael T. Nietzel said in the release. “Even in tight financial times, higher education and Missouri State made progress this past year. Jerry Burch deserves a fair amount of credit for that. His hard work, integrity and experience serve Missouri State well in Jefferson City and around the state.”

Burch, who lives in the Vernon County town of Walker, served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1978–90, at which time he began serving as a lobbyist for MSU.

In 2006, MSU granted Burch a 3 percent pay increase, bringing his annual contract to $72,900.

Burch also is reimbursed for expenses, paid mileage and receives a $9,000-a-year stipend for “training and supervising” MSU students who serve as legislative interns, according to Paul Kincaid, chief of staff and assistant to the president for community relations.[[In-content Ad]]