State lawmakers concerned over possible MU budget cuts

State lawmakers are more than a week into the 2016 legislative session and in the Capitol chambers there’s a growing dissatisfaction with MU and how its administrators have handled the events of last semester.

“They’re upset with the university for a variety of reasons, but mainly, the inaction, or lack of action with Professor [Melissa] Click,” said Rep. Chuck Basye, a Republican from Rochport.

More than 100 Republican lawmakers signed a letter calling for Click’s termination, but MU has taken no action.

Legislators said many of their colleagues in the house are disappointed about Click and other issues regarding the university, and now, lawmakers have filed bills that would cut the university budget.

“There are legitimate threats of budget cuts to the university. I take those threats very seriously. I’m very concerned about the budgeting process,” said Rep. Kip Kendrick, a Democrat from Columbia.

Kendrick said the university drives innovation in the state and a funding cut would be a big mistake, especially, since Missouri is already 44th in the nation for higher education funding.

“I’d hate to see any budget cuts hit Mizzou for any reason, to be honest with you. It’s such a huge part of our community here in mid-Missouri,” said Basye.