The state senate thinks a college scholarship program for students whose parents can’t afford to pay much of their college costs should get another 30-million dollars.
Tight economic times forced the governor to withhold 50-million of the 82-milion dollars appropriated for Access Missouri scholarship program this year, leaving it with only 32-million dollars for scholarships.
The senate thinks the next state budget should have 64-million dollars in the program and has added to the amount approved by the House. Appropriations chairman Kurt Schaefer maintains scholarships are vital for students in the financial middle who are facing increased fees and this year, for the first time in three years, higher tuitions.
The scholarships are available to students attending private as well as public colleges and universities.
The House has to agree to the additional funds going into the new budget by May 6th.
