JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) -- Missouri's higher education
commissioner is endorsing Gov. Jay Nixon's proposal to merge the
state's two education agencies.

Nixon wants to combine the Department of Higher Education and
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
   
The proposal is part of a broad plan outlined Thursday in light
of what Nixon calls a likely $500 million budget shortfall next
year.
 
Higher Education Commissioner Robert Stein says a combined
agency could help the state develop an education system that starts
before kindergarten and continues past high school. He also says
the merger would save money on equipment and administration.
   
The Legislature would have to approve the consolidation.

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