Missouri university leaders optimistic in tough budget climate - Ray Scherer, St. Joseph News-Press

Higher education officials in the region remain steadfast in hopes for increased funding despite financial wrangling at the state capitol. That appraisal comes amid the still-fragile stages of the budget process in Jefferson City. All of the state’s appropriations bills must be finalized by the end of the day May 9, just a week prior to the 2014 Missouri General Assembly’s adjournment. State Rep. Mike Thomson, R-Maryville, who chairs the Missouri House Higher Education Committee, said recommendations from the chamber’s appropriations committee are due soon, in what he termed will be a “final analysis and shuffling of resources.” http://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/article_d66fd16e-b175-55a4-bb77-9ff5184fdeb8.html