MSU rehires Burch as lobbyist

The Springfield Business Journal reports Missouri State University has rehired former Rep. Jerry Burch as its lobbyist, a job Burch has held for the past 18 years since he was upset by Bubs Hohulin for 126th District representative in 1990:

The board voted June 20 to extend Burch’s contract for another year, from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2009.

During that period, Burch will be paid $78,849, a 4 percent increase from the current year. The increase is consistent with the 4 percent merit pool provided for MSU employees, according to a news release.

“We continue to be pleased with Jerry Burch’s work on behalf of the university,” MSU President Michael T. Nietzel said in the release. “Even in tight financial times, higher education and Missouri State made progress this past year. Jerry Burch deserves a fair amount of credit for that. His hard work, integrity and experience serve Missouri State well in Jefferson City and around the state.”