An attempt to reverse part of a proposed cut to the University of Missouri administration’s budget has been rejected.

Representative Caleb Rowden (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Representative Caleb Rowden (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

The latest version of the proposed budget for the year that begins July 1 would still cut $7.6-million from the administration. Representative Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) proposed restoring half of that out of money set aside for cost-share program for transportation backed by House Republican leadership.

He noted that Senator Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) has proposed the creation of an MU Review Commission.

“I think the right decision is for us to take a long-term partnership sort of approach with the University of Missouri and they will have to prove throughout this process with the review commission that they are making the changes that need to be made,” said Rowden.

Rowden told the committee that the University is already expected to lose $20- to $35-million due to a reduction in enrollment.

“In my mind it doesn’t make sense to pile on. The message has been sent clearly by the hundreds of parents and students who probably would have made the decision to send their kid to the University of Missouri but because of the lack of leadership now, they’re not going to,” said Rowden.

Support for restoring the money and opposition for it was bipartisan, but Rowden’s amendment was voted down. Representative Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) said he wants to see changes at MU first.

“I want to see the University show me. I don’t want to hear that they’re thinking about making changes. I want them to show me that they’ve made changes,” said Burlison.

A frustrated Rowden said he hopes some of that money will be restored when the budget reaches the Senate.

A smaller cut equal to the salaries of Melissa Click and two other employees has been reversed.