Missouri Budget

State lawmakers arrive in Jefferson City on Wednesday for the start of the 2026 legislative session. It runs until mid-May.

Despite a likely smaller state budget compared to the past few years, Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern hopes the legislature will continue its streak of fully funding the state’s public education formula.

Missouri’s House speaker declined to sign a letter calling for passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” citing its potential impact on the state’s Medicaid program.

The heaviest lift appears to be passing legislation that would allow the state to help fund new stadiums or improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

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.