The Journal

Issue date: 2/18/10 Section: News

Media Credit: AMIR KURTOVIC

Kayla Kell, a junior public relations major at Webster University, would be $12,000 dollars in debt for her education if it wasn't for the Access Missouri grant that gives money to students through the need-based program. However, a bill going through a Senate committee hearing in Jefferson City, Mo. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, could significantly cut funds available to students through the Access Missouri program.

The current legislation was set up after a consensus proposed by college and university financial aid experts, said Neil George, WU's chancellor. The legislation also covers about 22 percent of tuition and student fees at independent institutions like WU and 25 percent of tuition and student fees at public institutions.

Missouri Senate Bill 784 would cap Access Missouri award benefits at $2,850 per year for students attending a four-year public institution or approved private institution. Presently, students attending approved private institutions are eligible for awards of up to $4,600 per year through the grant.

Missouri Senate Bill 390 was proposed last year to make cuts to Access Missouri.

"We are very disappointed that the public sector continues to try and pass this bill," said Connie Farrow, a spokeswoman for the Coalition of Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri. "Frankly, we think that's unfair."

Farrow has gone in front of the coordinating board for higher education to make the plea to contest the Senate bill. During the Feb. 17 hearing, Farrow and others will testify for and against the new Senate bill.

"We anticipate having a large turnout…from presidents, students and parents from across the state," Farrow said.

The public meeting will begin at 3 p.m., and an hour will be allotted for each party's argument. Each person's statement can last a maximum of two minutes. A group from WU, including Kell, will go to Jefferson City to testify against the bill.

Kell said she understands the bill won't influence her college education since it wouldn't take effect until 2014 when the current Access Missouri award expires in 2013.

George said one benefit of the current law is that it doesn't pit private schools against public schools.

"Webster really greatly values the legislation," George said. "But how it has worked so effectively for the students of Missouri who take advantage of this funding … is that it creates opportunities for them."

Continued...

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