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The SMS name change proposal cleared the senate today. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
The senate overwhelmingly gave final approval to legislation that would change the name of SMS to Missouri State University.
The bill's chief opponent, Columbia Senator Chuck Graham had this final word just before the vote.
Graham ended his all-night filibuster Tuesday after MU President Elson Floyd asked him to stand aside and let the SMS name change bill come to a vote.
Under an agreement between MU and SMS, lawmakers added a provision to the bill that states the name change won't entitle SMS to more state funding.
The bill sponsor, Springfield Senator Norma Champion says she hopes that the rift between the two schools won't last.
Graham maintains that the name change will hurt MU, which is in his district by taking away its prestige and state funding.
Graham says he hopes the senate's Republican leaders will devote equal time to other issues.
Bill supporters say they're thrilled the bill has moved on to the House, even though the House defeated a similar proposal last year.
Representative Bryan Pratt is an outspoken critic of the name change.
He says he's not sure how the House will vote on the proposal this year but he's going to do his best to defeat it.
Pratt says he's disappointed MU President Elson Floyd refused to take a formal position on the name change.
Name change supporters say Floyd's decision to ask the senate opposition to stand down will help their cause in the House.
