budget

The budget is less than Gov. Mike Parson’s initial proposal, and eliminates funding for a pre-K program and for public libraries. Democrats and Republicans repeatedly clashed over language that bans staffing for any programs or vendors "associated with diversity, equity and inclusion."

The KCPD's budget takes up the largest chunk of any city department. This marks the first time the city must allocate 25% of its general revenues to the KCPD since the passage of Amendment 4 last year.

Missouri Senators left for spring break a day early because of a Democratic filibuster on legislation that would bar transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming health care. That bill is expected to be debated this week.

Kansas City’s state-controlled police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could strain the city's resources even further, while failing to improve police services.

District 1 Legislator Manny Abarca IV told Up To Date the county executive doesn't attend meetings and isn't transparent about the annual budget. White's office said that's not true.

The supplemental budget bill includes an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment for state employees and an extra $2 an hour for some workers with late-night or overnight shifts. Parson said he hopes the significant pay increase will mean a lower turnover rate for state workers.

The Missouri Senate passed the first of two supplemental budgets on Wednesday. With no changes made to the bill, it now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, who’s expected to sign it.

The legislation, which now goes to the Senate, includes an 8.7% cost-of-living increase for state workers. It's one of two supplemental budget bills the legislature will pass this year.

Kansas City officials unveiled the budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year on Thursday. The city will spend even more on police than the 25% of its general fund required after Missouri voters passed Amendment 4 in November.

Both the Senate President Pro Tem and Senate Minority leader agree that Missouri needs to pay state workers more. Whether they go with exactly Gov. Mike Parson’s proposed plan is yet to be determined.

Gov. Mike Parson said he wants to boost all state workers by 8.7% and to offer a $2 an hour night shift differential to employees responsible for people under the care of the state. It's the second consecutive year that Parson has pushed for significant pay increases for state workers.

Missouri's average teacher salaries are among the worst in the U.S. Last year, a temporary solution raised pay for some teachers. This year, educators are asking for a permanent increase.