Missouri lawmakers pass budget that doesn't fully fund K-12 public education. Here's what's inside

Missouri’s legislature passed a $50.7 billion state budget on Wednesday, allocating roughly $15.9 billion in general revenue but failing to fully fund K-12 public education for the first time since 2017. The budget, totaling $48.7 billion in operating funds, includes $4.2 billion for the K-12 foundation formula and $376 million for school transportation, though it falls short by $190 million of the required funding level. Democrats condemned the decision, with Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern calling it a rejection of public schools. Republicans countered that the budget maintains record funding levels, with Rep. Ed Lewis stating no education spending was cut over the past five years. The budget also restored $80 million in disability care funding previously cut by Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office and reinstated $51 million in childcare subsidies after the House initially removed them. A compromise on childcare subsidies was reached, with payments tied to enrollment rather than attendance, though reductions apply after 10 missed days. House Rep. Betsy Fogle praised the restoration but noted the language still limits flexibility for providers. The legislature completed the budget process ahead of Friday’s deadline, with House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton calling the process smooth despite differing priorities. The final budget reflects political divisions over education funding, with Democrats pushing for full compliance with the K-12 formula and Republicans emphasizing incremental increases. Childcare and disability programs saw partial restorations, but critics argue the budget fails to address core education funding gaps.