Higher education funding formula gains first-round approval in state Senate

Intro:	Truman State University wouldn't be judged the same way as the other Missouri schools under a new higher education funding formula which gained first round approval in the state Senate Wednesday.
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Wrap: The funding formula includes an exemption for Truman State, meaning its funding would be based on comparisons to out-of-state schools for funding rather than those in-state.

But Columbia Senator Kurt Schaefer said it's unfair to exempt this university and not others.

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Description: "because then every person in this body who has an institution in their district is going to stand up a new amendment"

Senator Eric Schmitt said Truman should be judged differently because it's the only highly selective liberal arts college in Missouri.

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Description: "they really do wanna be judged, let's just be fair about how they're being judged."

The full bill must survive another vote in the Senate before heading to the House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	State lawmakers are once again decide how to dole out money to the state's colleges and universities, a big disagreement comes over Truman State University.
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Wrap: St. Louis County Republican Senator Eric Schmitt put forward an amendment to the funding formula which would exempt Truman State from comparison to other schools in Missouri when it comes to the funding it will receive.

Schmitt says it's because Truman State is the only highly selective, liberal arts college in the state and therefore should be treated differently.

But Columbia's Republican Senator Kurt Schaefer, the Budget Appropriations Committee chair, said this exemption is unconstitutional.

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Description: "isn't bill of attainder when you take legislation and single out one institution or one entity?"

Schmitt said his intention is not to take Truman State out of the equation but to make sure it's judged fairly.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	Students' ability to get jobs out of college would be key to determining how much money the state gives a school under a new higher education funding formula which gained first round approval in the state Senate Wednesday.
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Wrap: Maryville Republican Senator Brad Lager said linking career placement to a school's state funding would provide an incentive for colleges and universities to ensure their graduates enter into the workforce.

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Description: "everyone should be focused on job creation and making sure these students get jobs."

Republican Senator Rob Schaaf said this percentage of funding based on job placement puts too much of a burden on the university due to unknown future economic conditions.

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Description: "the number of jobs available for placement is beyond the control of the university."

As the formula currently stands, ten percent of a school's funding will be based on career placement numbers.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.