Missouri House Approves $47.9 Billion Budget Amid Education Funding Concerns
On Thursday, the Missouri House unanimously passed a $47.9 billion state operating budget, marking a decrease of approximately $3 billion from last year’s financial plan. House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton (R-Seneca) described the budget as balanced and fiscally responsible, emphasizing its long-term goals beyond fiscal year 2026.
The budget allocates around $14 billion from state general revenue, with notable investments including $375 million for school transportation and nearly $67 million dedicated to grants that would establish a $40,000 baseline salary for teachers. However, despite these investments, the current budget falls short by roughly $300 million of fully funding the state’s foundation formula for public schools. This shortfall led to unified opposition from House Democrats, who expressed concerns over educational funding.
Rep. Betsy Fogle (D-Springfield) voiced disappointment and expressed hopes that the Senate will restore some of the education funding. She also urged the reinstatement of federal funds for child care subsidies that were requested by Governor Mike Kehoe. Fogle highlighted the extensive public feedback during budget hearings, where constituents conveyed frustrations over funding shortfalls.
Additionally, the budget includes Governor Kehoe’s request for $50 million toward the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Fund, allowing families to allocate funding for private school tuition. In terms of state employee compensation, the budget proposes a 1% raise for every two years of employment, capping at 5%, which is lower than the governor’s recommendation for potential 10% raises.
The budget now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where amendments are anticipated. The nearly $48 billion proposal remains approximately $2 billion below what the governor initially proposed.
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