House and Senate Set to Conference on State Budget
Last week, the Missouri General Assembly moved one step closer to fulfilling its only constitutionally mandated responsibility: passing a balanced and on-time budget. After several days of floor debate, the Senate approved all 13 appropriations bills that comprise the state’s $27.8 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018.
Providing Missouri’s students with the best possible education is among our top priorities every year. Of course, accomplishing this goal means dedicating adequate financial resources to each of the state’s 518 school districts. Despite years of allocating record levels of funding, we’ve never been able to fully fund K-12 education under the Foundation Formula, which was adopted by the Legislature in 2005. Last week, after more than a decade of talking about fully funding the formula and multiple unsuccessful attempts to do so, the Senate joined the House in agreeing to provide full funding to Missouri’s K-12 public schools.
Since the House and Senate are now in agreement, the amount of Foundation Formula funding can’t be adjusted when the two chambers meet in conference to finalize the budget. At this point, only the governor can change the amount of funding. In total, Missouri school districts are set to receive nearly $3.4 billion in basic aid for FY 2018.
The education budget also includes $2 million for virtual education and a $12 million increase for early childhood special education. Additional funding of $4 million has been appropriated for Bright Flight. The Access MO Scholarship program will receive $76.5 million. As far as higher education, the House originally called for a 9 percent cut in UM System funding, whereas the Senate is only requesting a 6.5 percent reduction. The final percentage will be determined in conference.
I am pleased to report we’ve also appropriated funding to help implement Missouri’s new voter ID law, which was approved by voters in November 2016. The law requires those wishing to vote in public elections to present a valid photo ID at the polls, such as a non-expired Missouri driver’s license or non-expired military license. Taking effect June 1, this law will help preserve the integrity of our election process and ensure every vote counts.
State lawmakers, and especially those serving on the House and Senate budget committees, have once again worked hard to find ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality services for all Missourians. Next up, members of the House and Senate will meet in conference this week to make any final changes to the budget before sending it to the governor for his approval. The Legislature has until Friday, May 5, at 6 p.m. to get the budget bills to the governor. Fiscal Year 2018 begins July 1, 2017.
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Senator Will Kraus serves Eastern Jackson County in the 8th State Senatorial District.