JEFFERSON CITY — One of the 13 core budget bills passed by the Missouri Senate recently received the governor’s approval, providing crucial funding for elementary and secondary education in the Show-Me State.

House Bill 2002, handled in the upper chamber by the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, includes $3.009 billion for the Missouri’s school foundation formula, $99.8 million to transport students to and from school, $144.7 million for early childhood special education, $50 million for vocational education, and $15 million for early childhood development, among other important funding items.

The total amount allocated for elementary and secondary education funding for FY 2013 is $5.4 billion, approximately $2.9 billion from general revenue, $1.08 billion from federal funding, and $1.36 billion from other funding sources.

Lawmakers were able to deliver a $24 billion budget package to the governor containing bills that make up funding for the state’s core departments and programs one day before the General Assembly’s constitutional deadline.

With the governor’s signature, HB 2002, as well as other budget measures receiving the governor’s stamp of approval, will take effect July 1.

To see a complete list of the budget bills delivered to the governor by the General Assembly for his approval, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.