Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ

Contact: Jennifer Hollingshead

Office: (573) 882-0601

E-mail: hollingsheadj@umsystem.edu

The Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ Senate's first-round approval of Senate Bill 389 is a notable step toward strengthening financial aid for students in public higher education. This will help the University of Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ keep its enduring commitments to access, affordability and accountability.

Separately, the Senate's approval of House Bill 16 advances several critical building and renovation projects for the University of Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ. These projects benefit our students and strengthen Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ's capacity for economic development.

"The University is disappointed that the Senate removed funding for Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia and for the pharmacy and nursing education building in Kansas City," said Dr. Gordon Lamb, interim president of the university. "These projects offer tremendous promise for serving the health care needs of Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬans. Cancer is Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ's second-leading cause of death, and Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ's demand for nurses and pharmacists is well-documented. The needs these projects would address are no less critical because of the Senate's vote, and they remain vital priorities for the University of Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ."