House Budget Committee

Gov. Mike Parson asked lawmakers to approve an 8.7% pay hike, the biggest in living memory, to stem the loss of state workers to the private sector. But the Missouri House Budget Committee decided that neither the governor nor lawmakers should be included.

Missouri ranks dead last in the U.S. for the average starting salaries for teachers — just $32,000. But so far, state budget discussions have ignored a plan from the governor to raise that pay. Plus, how will Ford's plan to electrify its best-selling F-150 pickup play out in the Midwest?

The Missouri House has passed a budget that leaves almost $2 billion in state revenue unspent, and some lawmakers aren’t too happy about it — especially when it comes to funding for teachers. Now the budget goes to the Missouri Senate, which is expected to make major changes.

Gov. Mike Parson demanded the investigation of a journalist who alerted the state to a website security flaw, pegging the cost to the state at $50 million. Democrats say that number is unrealistic, and it’s not clear what the money would be used for.