Missouri Budget

At a post-legislative session news conference Friday, Kehoe also touted what he considered successful legislation, which included passing several of his priorities, such as placing the St. Louis police department under a state-appointed board.

Some legislators in both chambers objected to the move since the House unexpectedly failed to pass the part of the budget funding capital improvement projects across the state last week.

In addition to passing the budget, a Missouri House committee is slated to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that overturns parts of Amendment 3, which enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

This year’s supplemental budget includes money for services for the developmentally disabled and avian flu response, among other programs.

The money will fund the state government through the end of the current fiscal year. The legislature is required to pass a full budget for the next fiscal year before the legislative session ends.

Missouri officials doubt the state could stop accepting Medicaid expansion applicants if the federal government provides less money.

Speaking with reporters after groundbreaking for a new multi-agency state laboratory, Parson had two criticisms for the budget plan — it goes overboard on earmarks and shortchanges essential state services.

With more than 400 line items directed at particular districts or organizations, totaling $2.1 billion, lawmakers have continued to pile extras into spending bills as the state enjoys a near-record surplus

The state will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.

A wide-ranging education bill signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson last week will further press a reduced education budget with mandated lunch for preschoolers and items causing anxiety about the future.