SMS Name Change Bill Moves To House

The name-change bill should come before the House this week, as lawmakers expect another battle between supporters of Southwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri. House Speaker Rod Jetton of Marble Hill vows to let the bill come before the body whether it has a chance to succeed or not. He says he understands the emotions behind the issue, though he doesn’t share them. The bill passed the Senate after a filibuster by MU supporters finally yielded for a vote. It comes to the House with supporters hoping to avoid the defeat they suffered last year. Jetton says no one can predict the outcome. A big difference this year: Governor Matt Blunt is actively campaigning for the name change, saying Southwest Missouri State has earned the right to be called Missouri State University.