Missouri Legislature Approves $50.7 Billion State Budget Proposal

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri lawmakers have approved a roughly $50.7 billion state budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, sending the spending plan to Governor Mike Kehoe for final consideration.

The budget agreement between the Missouri House and Senate includes funding for public education, higher education, childcare assistance, social services, and programs for developmentally disabled adults.

Lawmakers approved approximately $4.3 billion for K-12 public schools, though that amount falls short of full funding levels. The proposal also includes funding to help some public school students attend private schools.

Higher education funding remains steady, with about $1.3 billion designated for Missouri’s public colleges and universities. State leaders are also discussing the creation of a new funding model for higher education institutions later this year.

The budget restores millions of dollars that had previously faced proposed cuts, including childcare assistance programs for low-income and foster families and services supporting developmentally disabled adults across Missouri.

Lawmakers also debated funding tied to education testing reforms, mental health programs, and compensation for state employees. The spending plan does not include a statewide cost-of-living raise for state workers, though it does provide retention-based increases for longtime employees.

The Department of Social Services would receive the largest share of the budget at nearly $17.8 billion, supporting programs such as Medicaid and SNAP food assistance.

Governor Mike Kehoe will now review the budget proposal and determine whether to sign the spending bills or issue line-item vetoes before the new fiscal year begins in July.