Southeast to apply stimulus money to accelerated nursing program as part of statewide commitment

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's public universities all have committed to using an infusion of federal stimulus money to expand their health education programs, and Southeast Missouri State University plans to start an accelerated nursing program.

The budget passed by lawmakers for next year divides $33.5 million of stimulus funds among Missouri's 10 universities and Linn State Technical College with the flexible direction that it can be used "for any one-time purpose."

Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins said the university will use the money, about $1.2 million, to hire two faculty members. An accelerated nursing program, which will accommodate 10 students, will be added for students who have already completed a science degree. They will be able to complete a nursing degree in 18 months, he said.

The money will also be used to enhance teaching labs and expand the nurse practitioner program to include six more slots, Dobbins said.

Although not stated in the budget, the amount is similar to what each institution was to receive under the "Caring for Missourians" proposal to expand the number of classroom slots for health professions.

Gov. Jay Nixon's office on Monday provided The Associated Press with identical letters signed by officials from each university and Linn State pledging to use the money "in furtherance of the Caring for Missourians initiative." The form letters also pledge that each university "will soon prepare an implementation plan with revised graduate targets and timelines."

In a survey of Missouri's public universities in May, The Associated Press found that many were planning to use the flexible money for the health-care initiative. But some indicated they likely would use it for other things, because the money was allocated for one-time purposes and the health education program would be ongoing.

Since then, the Democratic governor's office has encouraged higher education institutions to use the money for the health education initiative.

Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder stressed during a news conference Monday that institutions were free to use the money as they see fit. Kinder said he was concerned "the governor may be forcing universities into this program." But Kinder acknowledged he had no proof behind his assertion.

Nixon spokesman Scott Holste said the governor's office worked with the universities to come up with the form letters that they signed and submitted. But Holste said there was no force involved.

"We've been working with the universities since January to craft this measure," Holste said. "The governor's Caring for Missourians initiative addresses a critical need that Missouri has, and that's a shortage of health care professionals."

A similar proposal, then dubbed "Preparing to Care," was backed by former governor Matt Blunt last year but was not funded in the budget passed by lawmakers.

Kinder said he supports the health education initiative but wants each university to make a careful decision on whether to use the money for it. He was joined in the news conference by House Budget Committee chairman Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, who stressed the one-time nature of the funding and the state's poor budget situation.

"We want the universities to be keenly aware that these monies may not be available next year to continue the ongoing program," Kinder said.

Dobbins said the money will be spread over two to three years in hopes that the legislature will advocate continued funding.

"We hope for it to be in the base budget, but we know its going to be a tough year next year," he said.

Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said universities should have internal policies to make sure Missouri students are admitted into the program and will stay in the state to use their education, to comply with the intention of the initiative.

"My fear is that the universities will not honor the spirit of the same conditions," he said.

Dobbins said the university will not institute similar policies because they are not necessary. He said the majority of students stay in Missouri after completing their education.

Crowell echoed the sentiments of Kinder and Icet saying it will be difficult to maintain continued program funding. He said it is "foolish" for universities to participate in the initiative rather than use it for repairs or to buy down debt.

"I'm clearly saying do not count on funding next year, the following year or the year after that," he said.