The bipartisan resolution would authorize Missouri's General Assembly to issue up to 700 million dollars in bonds for higher education building and maintenance projects. It would require voter approval in the next general election.

The sponsor Democratic Rep. Chris Kelly of Columbia said its adoption would solve two problems: creating jobs and funding higher education building projects.

It is cosponsored by House Republican floor leader Steven Tilley of Perryville.  But a former House Republican floor leader -- Sen. Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau -- has emerged as one of its first critics. He says at a time of economic problems, the state should not be borrowing more money.

From the state Capitol, I'm Emily Coleman.