The Missouri General Assembly has only one constitutional requirement each year, to pass an on-time and balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This week, the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives gave final approval to the state’s $28 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2019. This budget is a representation of the Legislature’s commitment to Missouri.
The Fiscal Year 2019 budget contains a record amount of funding for K-12 education, as well as — for the second year in a row — fully funding the Foundation Formula. In addition, school transportation funding was successfully increased by $10 million.
This year’s operating budget also includes the restoration of $68 million in cuts by the governor to higher education for community colleges and four-year institutions. The Legislature is working to ensure Missouri has an educated, well-trained workforce for the years ahead. Along with restoring cuts to higher education, there are additional funding increases to provider rates for in-home health care and daily reimbursement rates for nursing homes. Mental health, dental care and primary care providers will also be receiving rate increases. Each of these increases demonstrate the Missouri General Assembly’s commitment to the elderly and most vulnerable citizens in the state.
Many hours were dedicated to disbursing funds, finding savings and giving recommendations of responsible spending to make our state government more efficient.
The next fiscal year begins on July 1.
I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.
Recent Visitors at the Capitol
Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award
Rep. Love, Joseph “Carter” Kinkead (Benton, Co.), Billy Pearson (Hickory Co.), Lynne Hedrick (Cedar Co.), Charles Bourland (St. Clair Co.) and Senator Crawford
Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award
Jeff Gerleman (Dallas Co.), Lynn Hedrick (Cedar Co.) and Senator Crawford
Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award
Rep. Knight, Dot Taylor, Rhonda Shank, Bob Shank, Hayden Starnes, Courtney Starnes,
David Reid, Lesli Reid, Harper Starnes, Mildred Reid, Senator Crawford, Cullen Reid,
Hudson Starnes and Clint Starnes
Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award
Senator Crawford, Wayne and Kay Morris, Aaron and Crystal Teerlink
Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award
Senator Crawford, Leonard and Linda Zanatta (Bolivar) and Lt. Gov. Mike Parson
Home School Group from Branson West