Mississippi House approves funding increases for community colleges and universities
The Mississippi House of Representatives has approved funding proposals that increase state support for community colleges by $100 million and universities by $53 million above legislative budget requests. The amendments were made to two Senate appropriations bills to reflect the House’s position on public higher education funding.
During debate, House Speaker Jason White (R) said the amendments represent current House totals but are not final. He explained that the Senate’s bills were not taken up as a block to allow members to track potential changes as the bills progress through the legislative process. White added that conference negotiations are expected to clarify final figures.
The House’s support for community colleges totals $870.7 million, which includes a $100 million capital expense fund for repairs and renovations, according to House Appropriations Committee Chair State Rep. Karl Oliver (R). When asked by Democrat State Rep. Chris Bell about how funds would be distributed among the 15 community colleges, Oliver said a formula based on enrollment, campus size, and other factors would be used. Oliver also noted that capital expenses are generally addressed each legislative session, though no agreement was reached last year.
Regarding faculty and staff pay raises, Oliver said negotiations with the Senate are ongoing and no final decisions have been made. The House’s amendment to SB 3063 passed unanimously, 119-0.
On the university side, the House proposed a funding increase of about $53 million, bringing total support for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning to nearly $1.7 billion. This amendment was added to SB 3053. House members discussed the distribution of funds, with some questioning whether the funds could be used to address long-standing needs at institutions like Mississippi Valley State University.
Representative Becky Currie (R) suggested the state could redirect funds by dissolving the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, citing a $350 million Medicaid deficit. Oliver responded that no such plans are underway but expressed openness to discussing the idea further. Both bills now move to the Senate, where they are expected to be considered before the session concludes.
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