Proposed Budget Highlights
The governor said that through key investments included in the budget, the state can create opportunities for Missourians through education and workforce development, strengthening infrastructure, keeping communities safe, and improving the health and well-being of families. The governor added that the intention is to not only provide opportunities for Missourians today but guarantee it for future generations. Highlights of the budget includes:
Infrastructure
- $895M - expanding the capacity of I-70 across the suburban areas of Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia
- $379M – increasing the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) investment and funding transportation construction projects
- $274.7M – investing in broadband planning, deployment, mapping, education, and adoption focusing on unserved and underserved areas
- $35M – partnering with local communities and railroads to improve safety
- Other priorities include airport infrastructure, energy grid resilience, and Missouri River navigation
Education
- $250M – creating a rainy day fund for public and charter school education
- $233.4M – fully funding school districts’ transportation costs for students
- $117.5M – funding the state’s elementary and secondary education funding formula
- $78.5M – increasing subsidy rates for childcare providers
- $70.8M – increasing core funding for four-year institutions, community colleges, and technical colleges
- Other highlights include expanding access to pre-kindergarten programs, school safety improvements, and career ladder support
Workforce Development
- $272.4M – investing in capital improvement projects at public higher education institutions
- $38.3M – funding the fourth year of MoExcels projects to facilitate the development of employer-driven workforce education and training programs in high-demand fields
- $25M – investment to increase competitiveness for semiconductor manufacturing opportunities
- $3M – funding to sustain the Office of Workforce Development’s apprenticeship programs
Government Reform
- $273.6M – providing a pay increase for state employees, including an 8.7 percent cost of living increase
- $234.2M – increasing funding to better maintain and repair state facilities
- $26.3M – constructing a new consolidated state warehouse complex
- $22M – Children’s Division reconstruction and reform including hiring more team members
- Other priorities include improving veterans cemeteries; technology investments; and constructing a new probation and parole center
Mental Health and Health Care
- $88M – treatment and support for Missourians with behavioral health and developmental disabilities
- $42.8M – children’s residential treatment provider rate increase
- $16.8M – ensuring program integrity in MO HealthNet
- $15M – creating hubs at six rural hospitals to address social determinants of health
- $4.4M – implementing a new maternal mortality prevention plan
- Other focuses include addressing staffing shortage; local public health authorities accreditation; and funding for additional youth behavioral health liaisons
Public Safety
- $14.5M – funding for MoDOT’s high priority safety-related equipment
- $11.2M – Highway Patrol technology upgrades
- $5.9M – enhancing support for corrections professionals by providing trauma care and staff wellbeing initiatives
- $3.7M – addressing bed shortages in hospitals and jails by providing funding for treatment services and case management
- Other priorities include continuing the 988 crisis hotline; child exploitation cyber-crime prevention; school safety tipline; and a crime victim advocate certification program