Wrap:The first-ever Republican trifecta in Missouri occurred in2016. The party controls the governor’s office, House of Representatives andSenate.

One of Governor Eric Greitens’ first moves was to respond todecreases in state revenue. Over half of his initial budget cuts affected highereducation, eighty-two million dollars out of one hundred and forty-six million.

Since then, a six-percent cut in the twenty eighteen budgetturned into a nine-percent cut after Greitens’ withdrawals in late June.

The governor’s office did not respond to a request forcomment.

Greitens’ attitude toward higher education funding in betterbudget years is yet to be seen.

Jack Morrisroe. Newsradio 1120 (eleven twenty) K-M-O-X

ANCHOR TAG: OtherRepublican trifectas in states like North Dakota have increased their highereducation funding in the last two years.

Wrap: Missouri has not allowed its public colleges anduniversities to raise their tuition beyond inflation since 2012.

Average fees and tuition for a full-time student at publicMissouri colleges and universities has increased by three-point-eight percent. Inflationhas only increased by one-point-eight percent, according to a report fromMissouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway.

University of Missouri Spokesperson Christian Basi said theenrollment decreases, state funding cuts and limits on raising tuition havemade balancing the university’s budget more difficult.

“The budget is made up of two significant factors. One istuition, and that is simply just enrollment and the other is state revenue andboth were significantly impacted last year. So we are working very hard onboth. It’s not a one-or-the-other situation and it’s not black and white.”

Jack Morrisroe. Newsradio 1120 (eleven twenty) K-M-O-X

Wrap: While public funding for colleges and universities hasdecreased nationwide, including in Missouri, they have sought outwell-performing, out-of-state students for their wealth and later donations.

Mizzou will be more heavily recruiting National MeritScholar finalists and semi-finalists in the next year, according to thePost-Dispatch. It will also offer more scholarships to students who qualify forneed-based aid.

University of Missouri Spokesperson Christian Basi said the schoolwill continue to make studying there accessible and affordable for in-statestudents while benefiting from out-of-state students.

“By bringing in students from out-of-state, we increase thegeographical diversity that’s on campus and it helps to expose students fromoutside the state of Missouri and inside the state of Missouri to manydifferent backgrounds.” 

To exist with less money, colleges need students to pay morein tuition and other expenses while at school.

A shortfall in public funding for the University ofCalifornia system led to a decline ofin-state enrollment and an eighty-two percent increase in out-of-statestudents, according to a report from the California State Auditor.

Jack Morrisroe. Newsradio 1120 (eleven twenty) K-M-O-X