Jefferson City — State Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, has been chosen to lead the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee as its chairman. This committee is tasked with writing the state’s operating budget for each fiscal year.

“It is an honor and a true privilege to lead such a hard-working group of people and assist in overseeing our state’s direction,” Sen. Hough said. “I have had the pleasure of serving as this committee’s vice-chair, which equipped me with the needed understanding of the appropriation process. But truly now, the work begins.”

Under tradition, Missouri’s fiscal year operating budget begins in the Missouri House of Representatives. After months of discussions, the full Missouri House then votes to send its financial blueprint to the Missouri Senate for consideration. The Senate then makes adjustments and additional proposals. After a full vote of the Senate, the truly passed version of the final budget goes to the governor for his approval. This all must be done before July 1, when Missouri’s fiscal year begins.

“I believe Sen. Hough is a principled man who will lead the Appropriations Committee with great integrity,” Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, said. “He knows the intricacies of the state budget and cares deeply about the people he serves. I have every confidence our budget will be in good hands.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 state operating budget has to be approved no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, May 5.

To learn more about Sen. Hough and his legislation, please visit senate.mo.gov/Hough.