Approving Missouri’s Operating Budget
Last week, the Missouri Senate passed a preliminary version of the state’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Nearly $28 billion will be allocated to various state-funded resources, such as education, health care and transportation. Approving the state budget is one of the most important responsibilities of the General Assembly. The Missouri Constitution mandates an on-time, balanced budget be passed by the legislature each year. In fact, it’s the only task the Constitution specifically requires of the legislature; everything else is secondary.
Because the budget must be balanced, meaning the state government cannot spend more money than it collects, it’s always difficult to get it just right. When money is spent in one area, that means it can’t be spent on something else. Our goal is always to adequately fund our many responsibilities, but to do so in a way that makes sound financial sense. After all, it’s taxpayer dollars we’re distributing; Jefferson City has an obligation to invest that money in state resources that will offer benefits to all Missourians.
This year’s budget reflects the priorities of our state. The Senate’s proposal restores cuts to higher education and manages to increase transportation funding for secondary schools. It also increases appropriations for in-home health care and nursing home services, protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Now that the Senate and House of Representatives have both passed their preliminary budget proposals, the two sides will meet in conference to negotiate any discrepancies. By May 11, the General Assembly will give its final approval to a comprehensive budget, sending it to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.