University of Missouri to close federal lobbying office
WASHINGTON — The University of Missouri plans to shutter its Washington-based office by the end of this summer, nixing two staffers now dedicated to lobbying lawmakers on everything from robust funding for higher education to immigration visas for international students.
The cuts are part of the university’s system-wide budget reductions, announced Friday by system president Mun Choi.
“We know that we must maintain the good relationships we have had with our federal legislators, and so we will be carefully reviewing what responsibilities and duties we need to continue,” said university spokesman Christian Basi. “But with the state of our budget, we felt we could not continue to keep this office open.”
The University of Missouri system spent $320,000 in 2016 on its Washington lobbying operation, according to federal disclosure reports. The two-person team pressed lawmakers on a wide range of issues, from funding for agriculture and food research to student aid and campus sexual assault.
Basi said the university will also make changes to its Jefferson City lobbying office, but he could not say whether it would be closed entirely or just slimmed down. He said the university will keep its controversial contract with Andy Blunt, the son of Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.
Andy Blunt earns $10,000 a month under that contract, which the university signed in 2015 as the elder Blunt was gearing up for a tough re-election battle. Andy Blunt served as his father's campaign manager.
“That’s still in effect,” Basi said, explaining the university could not cancel it because it’s legally binding.
Andy Blunt has said he does not lobby his father and focuses only on state legislation.
The cuts to the university’s lobbying staff are a small part of overall reductions at the institution, which has come under pressure amid declining state funding and rising costs. Last week, Choi said the fiscal year 2018 budget would nix more than 300 administrative, faculty and staff positions, although some of the savings would be reinvested more strategically.
Both Blunt and Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said the university would still be able to have its voice heard in Washington despite the cuts.
"The University of Missouri system is an academic and research force to be reckoned with," she said. "I’m confident UM’s leadership in our state will continue full-speed ahead, and I’ve got their back in D.C.”
Blunt said the budget decisions were tough but he would "continue advocating for the system’s priorities in Washington.”
Read more:
Mizzou touts progress of Springfield medical program after budget scare
Andrew Blunt's lobbying work faces scrutiny as he manages father's re-election bid