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Legislature allows Southwest Missouri State name change

March 1, 2005
By: Victor Roberto
State Capital Bureau
Links: SS SCS SB 98

A bill to change the names of four Missouri universities has cleared its final major hurdle.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri House of Representatives voted to pass a bill changing university names across the state.

At the center of the fight was the debate over changing Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University.

Rep. Bryan Pratt says the University of Missouri should have put up a better fight.

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Contents: I am extraordinarily disappointed with the leadership of the University of Missouri system. President Floyd and the Curators, I think, completely dropped the ball and turned their back on the rich heritage of the University of Missouri...for not fighting for their name.

The bill's supporters say Missouri State University will not ask for more state money.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.

###VAR###

Southwest Missouri State University has won its name change fight in the state legislature.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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The bitter fight over renaming state universities has finally ended in the Missouri House.

The House voted to pass the bill 120-35, a resounding victory for supporters.

The legislation will affect four Missouri universities, including Southwest Missouri State University...whose name will change to Missouri State University.

Governor Blunt has been a strong supporter of the name change...and House Minority Leader Rep. Jeff Harris says that shows his priorities are misplaced.

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Contents: I wish this governor would twist arms to make college more affordable and accessible...I wish this governor would twist arms to bring good jobs, good 21st-century jobs, to the state of Missouri...instead of twisting arms for a name change for one institution.

The bill will go to Governor Blunt's office...where he says he's looking forward to signing the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.

###VAR###

Southwest Missouri State University will finally be getting the name change it's been fighting for.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
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The battle over renaming state universities has finally ended in the Missouri House.

The House voted to pass the bill 120-35.

Opponents of the bill view it as a loss for the UM system.

Supporters say the name change will bring new students to the universities and foster economic development.

Springfield Rep. B.J. Marsh says the bill is adapting the higher education system to the needs of Missouri's citizens.

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Contents: I ask that my colleagues join me in passing this important legislation, that has the support of nearly every university in the state.

Marsh stressed that Missouri State University will not ask for more state funding.

The bill will go to Governor Blunt, who says he will sign the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.