Missouri Budget

Missouri's elected officials have been productive so far in 2025, a stark contrast to the deadlocked chambers of the last few years. But with about a month left in the session, a budget and new anti-abortion legislation are still on the to-do list.

The House's budget bill is $3 billion less than last year's budget, and includes raises for state employees and $375 million for school transportation. It now goes to the Senate, where changes are likely.

The Missouri House is expected to pass a state budget bill that falls short of fully funding public schools. A committee is also slated to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that overturns parts of Amendment 3, the voter-passed measure that enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

The Republican-led legislature is considering changing or repealing some voter-approved measures, including abortion legalization and the minimum wage hike. Lawmakers also need to pass a budget, which may look much smaller than previous years.

This year’s supplemental budget includes money for services for developmentally disabled people and avian flu response, among other programs. The budget also has about $300 million for public education.

Missouri officials doubt the state could stop accepting Medicaid expansion applicants if the federal government provides less money. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he'd be "really concerned" about significant Medicaid cuts in a budget bill.

Andrew Bailey was questioned about his lawsuit against Starbucks that claims diversity hiring initiatives have caused higher prices and longer waits. “I’m just curious if white-served coffee tastes a little bit better,” one Ferguson Democrat asked.

Kehoe said one of his priorities for cutting taxes this year is to exempt capital gains — the profits from sale of investments like a business or stocks. But doing that would reduce Missouri's revenue by about $300 million annually.

Budget debates, U.S. Senate standoffs, crowded primary fields and a red wave — Missouri Republicans kept things interesting in 2024. So what are we expecting in this new year, with a new slate of statewide leaders and a Donald Trump presidency?

Only one budget veto issued by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson faced an attempted override. Lawmakers ultimately left Wednesday without overriding anything.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has name recognition but trails in fundraising and endorsements in his bid to replace Gov. Mike Parson. Here's where he stands on some of the biggest issues facing the state, including abortion and taxes.

Missouri’s long-term care ombudsman program organizes workers and volunteers to advocate for and educate residents at the state’s hundreds of nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. But it has fewer than half the recommended staff members.