Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a higher education funding bill for the 2019 fiscal year at Ozarks Technical Community College today. The bill emphasizes workforce training and $2 million in tuition assistance for individuals who receive food stamps.
“I’m a firm believer in the American Dream, and many of us have benefited from that dream,” he said. “Now it’s our calling to make sure the next generation has those opportunities, too. And the only way we are going to do that is by investing in education and workforce training.”
At the event, OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon welcomed the governor to campus and thanked him for his long-time support of public higher education.
“Governor Parson understands that public investment in education helps develop a skilled workforce that will enhance existing industries and attract new businesses to the state,” Higdon said. “Governor Parson knows that education is an economic stimulus for Missouri.”
Before signing the bill, Gov. Parson took a tour of OTC’s new Workforce Training Center, which features a lab for the college’s 20-week welding program. He also viewed demonstrations of the OTC Simulation (Sim) Lab where health care students gain hands-on experience working with life-like mannequins and actors in real-world medical scenarios.
Governor Parson’s visit to OTC was one of several stops for the governor today. His trip also included a visit to the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium and the Springfield Metro Partnership Luncheon.
