Missouri legislature debates $48B budget and education bills as session progresses

In a recent legislative meeting held on April 4, 2025, Missouri lawmakers discussed critical developments regarding the state budget and various education bills, highlighting significant implications for the education system and funding in the state.

The meeting opened with an update on the state budget, which the House passed at $48 billion, falling $2 billion short of the governor's request. This budget now moves to the Senate, where Chairman Lincoln Hough is drafting an alternative. A contentious point in the budget is the proposed allocation of $50 million to a tax credit voucher program, marking the first time general revenue would be used for this purpose. This proposal faces opposition in the Senate and could lead to legal challenges, as it diverges from traditional funding methods for such programs.

Another major concern is the underfunding of the foundation formula by approximately $300 million, which fails to meet the state adequacy target mandated for this year. Hough expressed a commitment to fully fund the formula, indicating ongoing negotiations between the House and Senate as the session progresses.

The meeting also addressed several education bills that have been successfully halted, including House Bill 341, which sought to limit local school boards' authority over superintendent salaries, and Senate Bill 24, which proposed a statewide open enrollment policy allowing students to take state funding to any school of their choice. Additionally, Senate Bill 42, which imposed stringent safety mandates on schools, was also killed in favor of a more flexible safety bill that allows districts to develop their own policies regarding student electronics.

Among the bills still under consideration is House Bill 711, which proposes open enrollment but includes an exemption for the St. Louis Public Schools due to a desegregation order. This bill has garnered significant opposition from school boards across the state, with many filing resolutions against it. The outcome of this bill remains uncertain as it awaits a hearing in the Senate.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various other bills, including those related to teacher retirement contributions and charter school regulations. The legislative session is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as lawmakers work to finalize the budget and address these pressing education issues. The next steps will be crucial in determining the future of education funding and policy in Missouri.