Supporting Public Education
June is here, and that means the majority of Missouri students are finished with classes for the year and are now enjoying their summer vacations and/or working those summer jobs. It also means there are thousands of new graduates ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives.
Perhaps you have a son or daughter who just graduated from high school and who’s already planning out the details of their soon-to-be college dorm room. Or, maybe you have a little one who just graduated from preschool and is eagerly awaiting the first day of Kindergarten. Regardless of whatever their next steps might be, please know my Senate colleagues and I worked hard this year to ensure students in Missouri continue to receive the best education possible.
Despite facing a difficult budget year, we were able to fully fund K-12 public education for the first time since the Legislature passed the Foundation Formula in 2005. Although we had to make some adjustments in other areas of the budget to accommodate the fully funded formula, this really was a big accomplishment, and I’m pleased we were able to do this for Missouri’s schools, teachers and, most especially, our students. For Fiscal Year 2018, Missouri’s public elementary and secondary schools are set to receive $3.4 billion in basic aid. Of that amount, more than $190 million is going to school districts in the 12th Senate District.
As far as our area colleges and universities, North Central Community College will receive approximately $2.7 million in FY 2018 funding, while Northwest Missouri State University will get close to $40 million. On that same higher education note, I want to again offer my sincere congratulations to all those who recently earned their degree, and I wish you all great success as you start your professional careers.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
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