Senate renews debate on Blunt's higher ed bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Republican Senate leaders sought to bring Gov. Matt Blunt's college construction plan to a vote Wednesday in the face of Democratic opposition that so far has stalled the bill.

The legislation would take $350 million from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority over several years to fund building projects at Missouri's many public colleges and universities. It also would limit university tuition increases and create a new scholarship for students in financial need.

Democrats successfully blocked the bill last month during a grueling overnight filibuster.

Since then, Blunt and Republican legislative leaders have tinkered with and retooled the bill to try to address some of those concerns. But some Democrats remain opposed to the basic concept of selling off MOHELA assets to finance buildings.

Republicans brought the bill back up for debate Wednesday, and sponsoring Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, expressed confidence it would come to a vote. To overcome a filibuster, bill supporters may have to use a rare procedural maneuver to shut off debate and force a vote on the legislation.