By Blake Jackson
This week, the Missouri House is set to focus heavily on finalizing its version of the state budget. Lawmakers will debate the spending plan on Tuesday for up to six hours and are expected to pass it on Thursday.
“I think you'll see a budget that shows that we're committed to funding all the needs of Missourians, but also something that is fiscally responsible but meets our obligations,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit.
Key highlights in the House version include pay raises for law enforcement and funding for obligations under a major education law passed last year. However, it does not meet the full funding request from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for public school support.
Governor Kehoe had already proposed $300 million less than DESE requested, and the House cut further. “I think my takeaway from the budget is we are providing schools with record funding. Does it meet the definition of fully funding the foundation formula? I think it's been said enough that we're not doing that, but it is record funding,” said Patterson.
Some lawmakers, including Representative Betsy Fogle, expressed concern over this gap, highlighting the long-term impact of not fully funding public education. Fogle also criticized the removal of proposed federal funding for childcare services.
Once passed by the House, the budget will head to the Senate, where it may be revised. Unlike last year, when time constraints blocked conference committee discussions, Patterson expects those committees will meet this session. Fogle praised the thorough, line-by-line budget review process followed by lawmakers.
In addition to budget work, the House is also advancing a constitutional amendment related to abortion laws. The proposal seeks to revise Amendment 3, which eased Missouri’s abortion ban, by allowing exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, medical emergencies, or fetal anomalies.
Patterson confirmed the measure will be refined in committee before moving forward. Since Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 last November, any changes must also be approved through a statewide vote.
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune suggested the delay in advancing the amendment reflects a lack of consensus among Republican lawmakers, possibly creating internal tensions in the party.
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Categories: Missouri, Education, Government & Policy