Missouri State Budget

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.

The Missouri House declined to pass one budget bill that contained hundreds of millions of dollars for capital improvement projects across the state.

The budget includes 1% raises for state employees for every two years on the job up to 10 years, as well as $375 million for school transportation.

The largest point of consternation between Democrats and Republicans on this year’s budget is education funding.

A group of parents, students and school leaders held a "Day of Action" in Jefferson City, where they asked state lawmakers to support legislation to fully fund public schools.

This year’s budget process was criticized by Parson and lawmakers over a lack of transparency.

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.

Missouri House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith cut the time set aside for amending his spending plan but said the final product is ‘largely the same.’

State Rep. Peter Merideth, a Democrat whose district includes Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, said legislation including red flag laws and raising the age to buy a gun to 21 would help prevent shootings like the one that occurred at the school nearly a year ago.

The budget includes a $2.8 billion plan to fully expand Interstate 70 to three lanes in each direction and funding for teacher raises, as well as money for public libraries.