Changes in Access Missouri funding unlikely, officials say
Ashley Christopher
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: News
Like Zerr, Dempsey was unsure if the bill would be re-introduced to the Senate next session.
Connie Farrow, a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri, said she thinks the organization's lobbying over the past few months has been instrumental in keeping the bills from passing.
"ICUM's strong lobbying efforts have been critical in protecting Access Missouri funding for students at independent colleges and universities," Farrow said.
She said she also thinks the letters, telephone calls, e-mails and personal visits to lawmakers by members of the Keep Me In College Coalition helped the group's efforts.
"We effectively succeeded in stopping the stand alone bills this session," Farrow said.
Last month, private university students, including students from Lindenwood, joined together to present their opinions to the Higher Education Committee in Jefferson City. Each student was given three minutes to testify against the proposed changes.
Farrow said she isn't sure the group can rest easy until the Legislature officially adjourns.
Members are watching the proposals in case either is offered as an amendment to another bill or as a floor substitute, she said.
Were that to happen, an action alert would be sent to Keep Me In College members, Farrow said.
"Everyone's immediate response to our request to call lawmakers would be critical to defeating such measures," she said.
Evans said the bills' opponents, including Lindenwood, "have received assurances from friendly senators and representatives that they will be on the lookout for furtive attempts to gain passage of the proposed legislation through subterfuge."
In addition to monitoring legislative activity, the coalition of independent colleges is continuing the effort to build the Keep Me In College Coalition. The coalition now has more than 5,000 members, Farrow said.
"We need every student who receives Access Missouri, as well as their family members, to join the coalition," she said. "We anticipate that opponents will try again next year to alter Access Missouri awards.
"A strong and active coalition reinforces to state legislators and policy makers that we are committed to protecting Access Missouri funding and will be a force to be reckoned with should they decide to change it."
Connie Farrow, a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri, said she thinks the organization's lobbying over the past few months has been instrumental in keeping the bills from passing.
"ICUM's strong lobbying efforts have been critical in protecting Access Missouri funding for students at independent colleges and universities," Farrow said.
She said she also thinks the letters, telephone calls, e-mails and personal visits to lawmakers by members of the Keep Me In College Coalition helped the group's efforts.
"We effectively succeeded in stopping the stand alone bills this session," Farrow said.
Last month, private university students, including students from Lindenwood, joined together to present their opinions to the Higher Education Committee in Jefferson City. Each student was given three minutes to testify against the proposed changes.
Farrow said she isn't sure the group can rest easy until the Legislature officially adjourns.
Members are watching the proposals in case either is offered as an amendment to another bill or as a floor substitute, she said.
Were that to happen, an action alert would be sent to Keep Me In College members, Farrow said.
"Everyone's immediate response to our request to call lawmakers would be critical to defeating such measures," she said.
Evans said the bills' opponents, including Lindenwood, "have received assurances from friendly senators and representatives that they will be on the lookout for furtive attempts to gain passage of the proposed legislation through subterfuge."
In addition to monitoring legislative activity, the coalition of independent colleges is continuing the effort to build the Keep Me In College Coalition. The coalition now has more than 5,000 members, Farrow said.
"We need every student who receives Access Missouri, as well as their family members, to join the coalition," she said. "We anticipate that opponents will try again next year to alter Access Missouri awards.
"A strong and active coalition reinforces to state legislators and policy makers that we are committed to protecting Access Missouri funding and will be a force to be reckoned with should they decide to change it."
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