Missouri’s governor is proposing a $54-billion state budget that cuts more than $600-million from the core.
Governor Mike Kehoe discussed his proposed budget during his State of the State Address last week. He tells lawmakers that smaller government equals better government that focuses on core functions and how to best serve Missourians, without overpromising or overspending:
“As governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. Simply put the days of excusing budgetary decision with fund balances and so-called surpluses are simply over,” the governor says.
Governor Kehoe says state government needs to return to how budgets looked before the COVID pandemic.
The budget proposed by Missouri Governor Kehoe funds FFA again. Governor Kehoe praised FFA during his State of the State address, saying he and First Lady Claudia Kehoe were able to see the Agriculture education on the Move program in action in Morgan County:
“This program, in partnership with Missouri Farmers Care, empowers FFA leaders across the state to go into elementary classrooms and teach hands-on lessons in agriculture. It truly is the next generation teaching the next generation,” Governor Kehoe says.
Powerful Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe) tells 939 the Eagle that Governor Kehoe again reminded everyone of his priorities.
“He remains committed to public safety, Missouri agriculture and working to eliminate our state income tax in a measured, balanced approach. I believe his budget reflects these priorities and I was pleased to see his commitment to FFA programs around our state,” Chairman Black says.
Senator Black says his committee will be presented with a supplemental budget bill on Wednesday. Wednesday morning’s hearing on the supplemental budget begins at 8:15. Chairman Black says the committee will start hearing budget requests from departments on Thursday in Jefferson City.