Big Bucks for Universities. In his address to a joint session of the House and Senate, the governor stressed increases in the higher education budget, school violence and his proposed tax cut. Columbia's legislators say a bigger budget for education is a good idea. Carnahan's proposal for Missouri's higher education budget would increase state support by 12.7 percent and increase the money given to higher education for onetime technology, community colleges, financial aid, renovations and new construction. Rep. Tim Harlan , D-Columbia, agreed that an increased budget is important to central Missouri.
Education is an investment.
We need to continue with what we've seen as far as attracting top students and better teachers. Everything else falls into place. Rep. Ken Jacob , D-Columbia, said Carnahan is acting like an education governor. It's the first big step. Carnahan's plan also called for the expansion of child advocacy centers throughout the state, including one in Columbia.