subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite map
Thu, Nov 26 2009 

Published September 16, 2006 02:58 am - Selling off some of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority’s multibillion-dollar assets as a method of underwriting much-needed capital-improvement projects on campuses of state colleges and universities across Missouri simply makes good sense so long as MOHELA’s role of providing low-interest loans to students is not impaired.

In our view: Selling loans



Selling off some of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority’s multibillion-dollar assets as a method of underwriting much-needed capital-improvement projects on campuses of state colleges and universities across Missouri simply makes good sense so long as MOHELA’s role of providing low-interest loans to students is not impaired.

Gov. Matt Blunt and MOHELA members believe the transfer of $350 million generated over six years through bond refinancing and student loan sales would not harm the program, but would allow institutions of higher learning to construct and upgrade buildings.

In exchange for the use of the funds for major projects on various campuses, Missouri’s Department of Economic Development would promise $1.1 billion to $1.7 billion in bonding authority to MOHELA over 11 years. The governor also would support legislation expanding MOHELA’s authority to issue loans.

If the MOHELA transfer is approved, Missouri Southern State University would receive $19 million for a health-sciences building that would house such programs as nursing, medical technology, dental hygiene, radiology, respiratory therapy and psychology. Crowder College in Neosho would get $1 million. The plan would earmark $6 million for the Missouri Community College Association to distribute for maintenance and repair.

Attorney General Jay Nixon is attempting to throw a wet blanket over the MOHELA deal, arguing that the results would be bad for the agency and for students — and perhaps even illegal. He has warned that a lawsuit could be filed — although apparently not by him — if the board goes ahead with the sale and that members might have a conflict of interest.

But a “battery of lawyers” has looked at the plan, Henry Herschel, general counsel for the Office of Administration, told the Associated Press and apparently found nothing illegal.

In short, state universities and colleges need the money for overdue capital improvements and the necessary forces — Blunt, legislative leaders, MOHELA members and educators — are aligned to get it done. Our suggestion is that proponents trot the plan before that “battery of lawyers” for inspection once more and, if all is legal, proceed.



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.


Add a comment on this story







autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide

Announcements


Click here to VOTE!!

Click here!!

: Special Offer For New Subscribers : 32 buy 1 get 1 free offers

Click Here!


Featured Transportation

2002 FORD TAURUS SE
nice car, 3.0 liter V6, $2900. 417-850-0731....>MORE

1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
removable hard tops, automatic, air, CD, sharp, $2500. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE

1999 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
4x4, leather loaded, $3500. 417-850-0731....>MORE

2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
4 door, luxury leather trim, loaded, CD, sunroof, beautiful rig, extra nice, $4500. 1317 Schifferdecker...>MORE

1993 CHEVROLET LONG BED
runs good, 4.3 V6, new transmission, needs body parts, $400. (417)438-2508...>MORE

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE
Sport, loaded, all options, great looking van, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

TOYOTA 2004 TACOMA PRERUNNER
Toyota, 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, TRD off road, double cab, V6, new tires, CD, bed liner, lid cover, 100,000 miles, excelle...>MORE

1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE

2002 KIA OPTIMA EX
4 door, sharp, loaded, leather, CD, sunroof, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

See all ads

Featured Homes

NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE

Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE

See all ads

Other Cool Stuff

ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE

DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE

REWARD $50,000 REWARD

Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged
...>MORE

POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE

MALTESE PUPPIES ADORABLE!!

6 weeks old Thanksgiving. 2 boys and 2 girls. Shots, wormed, and vet checked. Healthy, active, and loved! Great Ch
...>MORE

POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE

INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE

NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE

(2) TEACUP CHIHUAHUA
APRI puppies. (417)673-1997....>MORE

YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index

 

 

The Joplin Globe Electronic Edition