Mo. Democrats urge increase in student aid

JEFFERSON CITY — House Democrats in Missouri propose spending more money on universities and expanding scholarships for community college students.

An existing scholarship covers tuition and some textbook costs for eligible students. Democrats want to expand it to cover the last two years for students who perform community service and graduate with a “B” average.

House member Clint Zweifel of Florissant says the scholarship would pay for a college degree for those who have maximized existing opportunities.

Democrats also called for returning state spending on higher education to its level before state budgets were slashed several years ago.

Gov. Matt Blunt has called for a smaller bump to university budgets and has expanded need-based scholarships.