By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri State Senators on Thursday voted to give the Coordinating Board for Higher Education more powers. Specifically, the proposal would let the board dock money from rebellious public colleges and universities.
The board sets higher education policy but lacks authority to enforce its decisions.
The legislation would let the board deduct as much as 1% of a school's appropriation if it strays from the board's policies.
Sen. Gary Nodler, who chairs the education committee in the Senate, said during debate the penalty would reduce rivalries that sometimes result in colleges and universities duplicating programs.
The measure also directs the board to study the idea of making tuition tax-deductible for some families.