Access Missouri awards are at risk – Take action today!
We are facing multiple threats in Jefferson City that could eliminate state financial aid to students attending private colleges. We need you to contact your elected officials TODAY!
1. Write, call or e-mail Governor Jay Nixon and tell him how important your financial aid package is to you. Tell him you oppose his plan to prohibit state financial aid for all students attending Missouri’s private colleges. Tell him you also oppose his proposal to cut $50 million from the Access Missouri program by specifically cutting aid to students at independent colleges. Let him know your familly pays taxes in Missouri too!
Gov. Nixon announced on March 11 that he proposes to balance Missouri’s budget on the backs of Missouri students attending Missouri’s independent colleges and universities. This would create an incredible economic hardship for the 13,741 private college students receiving Access Missouri, Bright Flight and Marguerite Ross Barnett scholarships. Gov. Nixon's proposal would make Missouri the only state in the country to prohibit state financial aid to students attending independent institutions. It's not fair and we cannot let it happen!
The Honorable Jay Nixon
Governor
State of Missouri
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-3222
E-mail the Governor
2. Contact your state representative and senator and ask them to support the substitute bills for HB 1812 and SB 784 as written
Due to the advocacy efforts of students across the state, we have successfully influenced modification of HB 1812 and SB 784. While we did not get everything we wanted, the substitute bills meet some of our goals and most importantly, protect Access Missouri from ending in 2013 by eliminating the sunset clause. The bills will set common maximum awards for students attending four-year public and independent institutions of $2,850 starting in 2014. This will allow students currently enrolled to continue their education with their current financial aid plans.
Please contact your state representative and senator and let them know you SUPPORT the substitute versions of these bills. We opposed them as originally written; it is important they know that we support the changes.
Resources:
Talking Points
Tips for Writing a letter to Policymakers
Sample Letter
3. Send a letter to your local paper to let others know Gov. Nixon is putting the college future of thousands of students at risk. Help us spread the word by writing a letter to the Editor of your hometown newspaper.
Sample Letter to the Editor
Tips for writing a Letter to the Editor and media contact list
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