The proposal includes an additional $56 million in funding for universities, which amounts to an increase for the schools of about 6 percent. That could be enough to allow schools to freeze tuition.

Nixon, during a visit to Crowder College in Neosho on Thursday, thanked the Senate and expressed hope that the added money is not cut during final negotiations between the House and Senate.

“Missouri leads the nation in holding down tuition increases at public universities, helping to put a college education within reach for more students and their families,” the Democratic governor said.

Both the House and the Senate must agree on the final budget before it is sent to the governor. The deadline for final passage is May 6.

Problems at Mizzou have been a focal point of the 2016 legislative session, with lawmakers calling for audits, budget cuts and the ouster of former communications assistant professor Melissa Click.

“It has overshadowed some of our other education issues in the state,” said Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg.

The higher education budget wasn’t universally supported. The Senate version would again bar universities from granting in-state tuition rates to an estimated 1,200 students in the country illegally.