budget

The Institute of Museum and Library Services supports libraries across the country, including Kansas. Now its future is in question as the Trump administration proposes to eliminate it in next year’s budget.

A recently released audit of Missouri’s finances shows the state is on the brink of a budget crisis. Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick discusses what his office found and how he wants elected officials to respond.

The National Weather Service has lost hundreds of employees since President Donald Trump took office, and its severe storm forecasts may be suffering. Two tornado outbreaks this year, one in Kansas, took forecasters by surprise. Some meteorologists warn that further cuts will create a new cluster of blind spots.

A new report from Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says Missouri is facing a budget cliff. Gov. Mike Kehoe says he thinks the state’s budget needs to shrink as a result, and suggests some nonprofits or local municipalities could fund some programs instead.

Missouri lawmakers cut the Imagination Library's budget for the upcoming fiscal year by more than half — from about $6 million to $2 million. The state education department said it won't have the money to enroll new children in the program after next month.

After the World Cup, Kansas Citians relying on public transportation will find it even harder to catch a ride to work. Inadequate regional funding is forcing the KCATA to slash routes in September.

Nearly 10% of Kansas City bus riders will lose access to key routes starting Sept. 6, as KCATA cuts seven weekday lines and two weekend routes. Officials say funding challenges have pushed the system into a “death spiral” of declining service.

Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more.

Kansas City's spending will remain relatively flat compared to previous years as the city tries to rein in its deficit. Still, some areas, like police spending, have continued to increase.

Kansas City recently passed a $2.6 billion spending plan that keeps expenses relatively flat. But, some departments like police are still seeing growth, despite some opposition. We'll break down the city's spending and why you should care about it.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 million bond and free up more money for operating expenses like teacher pay, staff benefits and more.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election.