For Immediate Release: Jan. 26, 2024 
Contact Pat Thomas: 573-751-1311

Statement from Sen. Lincoln Hough in Response to the State of the State 

 Jefferson City — State Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, today issued a statement in response to the governor’s State of the State Address on Jan. 24:

“The governor’s priorities have been made clear. In the final year of his term, his emphasis will continue to be on education, infrastructure and developing stronger communities. 

Just under a year ago, we once again passed a balanced state budget for Fiscal Year 2024. We invested in our communities, state-wide infrastructure and educating, even raising teacher pay and funding student transportation. Investments that made us more competitive with other states. We worked together to accomplish all of this, all while enacting the largest tax decrease in Missouri history.

As we work through the budget process, I want to focus on children, mental health, workforce development and infrastructure, including preparing for future expansion of our other cross-state roadway, Interstate 44. Our investments won’t be short-term boosts for special interests, but long-lasting capital improvement projects that will reverberate growth throughout the state for years to come. One-time project investments will take priority over the creation of ongoing programs that may or may not have funding in the future as we navigate an uncertain economy. 

My goal is to continue to develop our state with an eye for the future, focusing on creating a functional government that will be strong and stable for all future generations. Our state’s future is brighter than ever before, and we’ll continue to build on our successes from years past, while ensuring a fiscally conservative approach to spending. 

It is my honor to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I will continue to advocate for every Missourian, because Missouri’s greatest strength is our people.”

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