April 6, 2009

Missouri Promise would create pathway to debt-free, four-year degree for Missouri students

Gov. Nixon's statement on initial Senate approval of Missouri Promise plan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Following an initial vote by the Missouri Senate to enact Gov. Jay Nixon's Missouri Promise Initiative, the Governor released the following statement:

"During these difficult economic times, too many middle-class families are getting squeezed out of a four-year degree, and too many students are graduating with tremendous debt. I am very pleased that the Missouri Senate has given initial approval to the Missouri Promise, my plan to create a pathway to a debt-free, four-year degree for middle-class families. And I thank Sen. Mayer for providing bipartisan leadership on this important bill. By putting a four-year degree within reach for more Missouri students, we will ensure that our state has the highly trained, highly qualified workforce necessary to lead our economy into the 21st century."

Gov. Nixon's Missouri Promise Initiative would expand eligibility for the state's current A+ Schools Program to students at every high school in the state; the A+ Program covers the cost of tuition for students to complete a two-year degree. In addition, the Missouri Promise provides funding to cover two more years of college at a Missouri public university for students who complete a two-year degree.

The bill requires another vote in the Missouri Senate before moving to the House of Representatives.