Modifies provisions governing funding for higher education
The proposed funding model will utilize a cost-based approach that incorporates accountability and emphasizes outcomes to enhance student success and operational efficiency. Institutional missions will be recognized in the funding model, which will also include a performance component to encourage continuous improvement. This structure is intended to streamline the allocation of core appropriations across various educational institutions, including public four-year colleges, community colleges, and the State Technical College of Missouri.
House Bill 1569 aims to amend Chapter 173 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section related to funding for higher education. The bill obligates the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to develop a stable and sustainable funding model for public institutions of higher education that is rooted in a 2023 study. This funding model is designed to ensure public institutions can effectively serve students and fulfill their educational missions.
One significant point of contention related to HB 1569 revolves around the requirement that the new funding model must be approved by the General Assembly via concurrent resolution before it can become effective. This stipulation may create a regulatory bottleneck or delays in the implementation of the new funding framework and could be a concern for advocates who want to see funding improvements made promptly in response to educational needs. Additionally, the integration of an outcomes-based performance component could raise concerns about how universities are held accountable, particularly regarding the metrics used to measure success.
As the funding model is still under development, there will be ongoing assessments and evaluations of its effectiveness. The bill mandates the submission of a report evaluating the funding model's effectiveness to key legislative leaders, further emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in higher education funding adjustments. The framework set by HB 1569 represents a significant shift in how public higher education could be financed, influencing future legislative sessions and institutional policies.