Legislator Wants Independent Analysis of MOHELA Plan

Governor Blunt says he now will go back to the legislature to seek approval of his proposal to finance $350 million dollars in college capital improvements. One long-time legislative critic wants an independent analysis of the plan prior to the General Assembly acting on it. Rep. Cint Zweifel (D-Florissant) says questions need to be answered, with the biggest question being how the proposal would affect future student borrowers. Zweifel says only an independent financial analysis can provide the answer. The governor’s proposal calls for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA.) to sell off enough assets to raise the 350 million. Zweifel says members of the Blunt Administration have never subjected the plan to independent analysis, but instead has used its resources in an attempt to push it through the legislature, then through the MOHELA board without legislative approval. Zweifel says he understands the politics taking place between Governor Blunt, a Republican, and Attorney General Nixon, a Democrat, concerning MOHELA. But he says that shouldn’t prevent an open debate. After Nixon indicated lawsuits could be filed if the MOHELA board approves Blunt’s plan, Blunt decided to take the proposal back to the legislature to provide MOHELA board members protection from lawsuits. The MOHELA board meets today at its headquarters in Chesterfield and is expected to vote on the plan