By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – Under threat of lawsuits, Governor Matt Blunt has agreed to give lawmakers a role in his plan for financing new construction at state universities.
Blunt wants to raise $350 million for the projects by selling some student loans held by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, known as MOHELA.
The agency's board is to vote on the plan this week. But Attorney General Jay Nixon has warned that members who vote for it could be sued for breaching certain legal duties.
Late Monday, Blunt agreed to make the board's decision subject to approval by the Legislature.
Blunt spokesman Spence Jackson says the MOHELA board can still vote on the plan this Wednesday, but the deal would only be effective if lawmakers approved it as well.