Editorial:

Proposed cuts to Access Missouri justified

Published March 12, 2010

The Missouri budget needs help, but so do Missouri state schools.

Gov. Jay Nixon addressed Missouri's economy, specifically the $500 million that needs to be cut from next year's budget, during a speech Thursday. He is not looking to make cuts across the board, but rather cuts where the least damage could be done, which is a logical and ideal way to look at things.

One idea in particular would greatly impact Missouri students, including Nixon's proposal to cut Access Missouri scholarships to private institutions.

Access Missouri grants money to undergraduate students based on FAFSA financial granted aid and the type of institution a student chooses. Students going to public two-year schools can receive anywhere from $300 to $1,000. Going to a public four-year school increases the amount to anywhere from $1,000 to $2,150. Finally, students going to private schools receive a minimum of $2,000 and can receive up to $4,600.

Going to a private institution can make a student eligible for nearly double the money rewarded.

It should not be the responsibility of the state to fund private education. Although the state should continue to help fund education because it is imperative to the economy and Missouri's progression, private education has no place in the state's budget.

Various bills are moving through the state legislature now that would equalize the amounts students receive, no matter what kind of institution they attend. If Missouri chooses to help fund private education, it should be equal to or less than the funding given to students who choose public education, which is already fiscally tied to the state. Students who need aid should receive it, but the state, in its financial situation, should not subsidize the choice to go to a private school.

It would be beneficial to allow students who have already received Access Missouri scholarships for private schools to be able to renew those scholarships, though.

In addition, this should not lead to a complete cut of Access Missouri funding. This is a measure to save money, and Missouri needs well-educated people in order to improve the economic climate.