UM System Legislative Priorities

Supporting the University of Missouri is an investment in the future of Missouri. 

The university advances Missouri citizens and communities through its mission of teaching, research, public service and economic development across our four campuses and University of Missouri Extension.  The following priorities fund our core mission and are critical to the health and future of all Missourians.  Download UM System Legislative Priorities (PDF)

Retaining Core Operations

Support state funding requests for core operations as well as new and continuing initiatives to help ensure we can carry out our mission.

• $400.3 million – Base Appropriation
• The university has identified an additional $17.6 million in funding needs to continue programs, services and benefits for students, faculty and staff.

Targeted Investments in Health & Sciences

Support funding University of Missouri programs that produce educated graduates to meet the workforce needs and ensure Missouri citizens have access to quality health care.

• STEM Education and Research - $55.2 million
  Increasing the number of students enrolling in, and completing, education in STEM fields will help meet growing job demands and advance Missouri’s competitiveness in this critical area of our state’s economy.  
• Caring for Missourians - $10.3 million recurring*
  Increasing the number of graduates in health-related fields will help meet critical shortages throughout the state. 
  *In 2009, the state awarded one-time funds to higher education institutions to support Caring for Missourians. Recurring funding of Phase Two of the initiative will enable institutions to sustain and increase annual production of health care professionals in these fields.

Advancing Capital Projects

Support a new bond initiative for capital projects for Missouri’s higher education institutions. 

• The university currently faces a $1.3 billion backlog of renovation and repair projects on all four campuses. 
• Inadequate and outdated classroom and laboratory spaces threaten the university’s ability to provide excellent educational programs and support enrollment growth.

Facilitating Collaboration

Support a statutory change to give Missouri counties the ability to form single or multi-county districts for delivery of local MU Extension education programs.

• This change would increase efficiencies by encouraging counties to collaborate across governmental lines and would allow councils new funding options.

Reviewed 2013-02-04.