Missouri’s powerful Senate Appropriations Committee chairman praises the $49.8 billion state operating budget signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe (R).
Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe) also says the governor’s vetoes and budget restrictions reflect the difficult fiscal environment the state is facing. Senator Black says he appreciates Governor Kehoe’s focus on maintaining Missouri’s long-term fiscal stability.
Chairman Black also tells 939 the Eagle that he is thankful that funding approved by the Legislature for Day Habilitation Services and Self-Directed Support Services remains intact. Senator Black says these essential services provide critical support for Missourians with developmental disabilities and offer families the flexibility and resources they need to care for their loved ones.
Governor Kehoe made about $53-million in budget line-item vetoes.
The budget signed by the governor also includes $2-billion for public safety and $59-million for agriculture, including funding for FFA. It also includes $15-million to support a future downtown Jefferson City conference center and parking garage.
What’s next: Missouri’s annual veto session takes place in September. Lawmakers who sponsored the budget items impacted by line-item vetoes can speak (if they want to) on the Missouri House or Senate floor, but any override requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. State Sen. Jason Bean (R-Peach Orchard) tells “Wake Up Missouri” that he doesn’t expect any of Governor Kehoe’s vetoes to be overridden in September.