KBIA Local
(2009-01-28)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee released a statement today regarding Nixon's state of the state address last night. Last week, the governor announced he'd freeze university funding if school officials agreed to cap tuition. Forsee says he applauds Nixon's commitment to higher education, but there was one aspect he didn't anticipate. According to the letter, the University Extension System's funding will be reduced by fifty percent. MU Extension offers programs involving agriculture research and more. MU Vice Provost and Extension Director Michael Ouart sent a letter today saying he's disappointed and bewildered by the $14 million cuts. He says MU Extension's programs go along with Nixon's job creation plan and 1 million Missourians depend on Extension programs. Ouart listed cuts the departments have made this year, which include canceling various conferences.
Representative Steve Hobbs of Mexico says he's unsure about what the governor is actually planning in his budget.
"I mean you can't say one day I'm going to hold the university harmless, then come back and make cuts and withholds."
Hobbs says he was surprised by Nixon's tuition cap deal with MU. The Associated Press says the governor's administration has also suspended four college construction projects, including a $31 million dollar cancer center at the University of Missouri- Columbia. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
