The Missouri Legislature’s $50.8 billion state budget proposal is too much for Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The governor has vetoed, reduced, or frozen 240 items in the new Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan. In a news release from his office, it says his changes total nearly $511 million.
“Just as any Missouri family understands, we cannot spend beyond our means,” said Kehoe. “Our team has worked hard to ensure that this budget reflects our long-term vision and commitment to limited government and fiscal discipline.”
A key change is his reduction in the core funding increase for Missouri’s public colleges and universities. The governor reduced the state legislature’s requested 3% increase to his recommended 1.5% increase.
He slashed funding for several K-12 education and infrastructure-related items, including teacher recruitment and road construction projects. He also sliced several pet projects proposed by lawmakers.
“Compared to the budget I presented in January, we received approximately 450 items and nearly $775 million in additional spending. And ongoing spending authorized in the budget presented to our office is projected to outpace ongoing revenues by over $1 billion,” said Kehoe.
Among the items the governor approved include:
•$4.2 billion to fully funding the formula used to finance K-12 public schools
•$376.6 million to fully fund the state’s share of school transportation costs
•$107 million in additional funding for childcare payment upgrades
•$91 million for rural road upgrades
•$50 million to bolster a scholarship program for K-12 public school students to attend private school
•$33.4 million to pay teachers a required minimum of $40,000 annually
•$20 million to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City
•$10 million for a new law enforcement grant program to incentivize public safety efforts
•$800,000 in ongoing funding for Missouri FFA
•$330,000 to increase Missouri’s meat inspection and processing capacity
•10% pay raises for longtime state workers
The new state budget year begins Tuesday.
Click here for the full list of budget vetoes. Click here for the full list of funding holds.
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