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MSU president delivers ‘attaboy’ to legislators for funding support

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Missouri State University President Clif Smart took to his blog to thank legislators for their efforts to restore higher education funding cut by Gov. Eric Greitens.

In his Clif’s Notes blog yesterday, Smart said an operating appropriation of $6.5 million for MSU was restored through the state budget passed by the General Assembly. Greitens’ budget recommendations in January reduced appropriations for MSU.

“Immediately, we began to advocate for the legislature to restore that cut. I am pleased to report that these efforts were successful,” Smart said yesterday in the blog post.

Smart specifically thanked Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob; Rep. Lyle Rowland, R-Cedarcreek; Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville; and Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville.

“I want to say a big thank you to our local legislators on budget and appropriations committees,” Smart said.

Smart pointed to funding for MSU’s collaborative mechanical engineering program, which was partially restored, as well as a $1.1 million appropriation to build a facility at the university’s Bull Shoals Field Station.

Smart cautioned that Greitens still must approve the budget bills — House Appropriation Bills 2001-2010. The governor is expected to receive the bills for a signature in the next several weeks.

“In addition to his veto power, the governor can withhold appropriations at any time during the fiscal year, so the state budget situation remains uncertain,” Smart said. “We will remain engaged with the governor’s office to advocate that he sign the bills and release all appropriated funds.”

The legislature-approved $28 billion budget also includes $99 million in additional funding for the K-12 formula.

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