A look at major line-item vetoes from Parson
The major line-item vetoes include:- $2 million for the design and construction of a center for Rural Health Innovation
- $1.9 million for a non-profit innovation district for streetscape improvements
- $2.6 million for a Library Networking Fund for library networking grants
- $1.1 million for funding performance incentives for high-achieving employees
- $1 million for expansion of the Missouri Rx Plan
- $50 million from Federal Medical Assistance Percentage Enhancement Fund for distribution to Missouri hospitals losing money due to changes in Medicaid payment methodology
- $5 million for deferred maintenance grants for charter school facilities
- $2 million for a workforce diploma program for adults without a high school diploma
- $2.3 million for the School Turnaround Fund (Parson noted performance measures and program outcomes for three schools should be reviewed to determine program effectiveness prior to expanding to additional schools.)
- $3 million for recruiting and placing full-time dedicated postsecondary advisors in up to 40 rural high schools
Greenlit infrastructure spending
In a statement announcing the budget actions, Parson highlighted the following infrastructure spending:- $154.4 million for State Road Fund construction projects
- $60.2 million in bonding authority for state park improvement projects
- $21 million for maintenance and repair projects at State Highway Patrol facilities
- $15 million for low-volume road maintenance and repair
- $10 million to increase broadband access in underserved areas
- $6.3 million for port capital improvement projects
Education and workforce development spending
Parson noted the following items in education and workforce development spending:- $252.7 million and 121 staff from various state agencies to support the newly created Office of Childhood
- $20.2 million over FY22 spending levels to four-year institutions of higher education
- $13.2 million to support the A+ Schools Scholarship Program
- $10 million for community colleges
- $8.5 million to fully fund the foundation formula
- $8.4 million for early childhood special education programs
- $3.9 million to support the Bright Flight program
- $2.7 million to support the Fast-Track Workforce Incentive Grant Program
- $2 million for State Technical College
- $2 million to grow Missouri’s new and emerging high-tech industry
- $750,000 for 12,000 additional students to take the ACT Work Keys and Career Readiness Assessment
- $200,000 for the Main Street Program
Health and safety spending approved by Parson
The following health and safety expenditures were highlighted in the governor’s release:- $166.3 million to increase development disability service provider rates
- $15 million to establish six new crisis stabilization centers and further support existing ones
- $8.3 million to expand the Behavioral Healthcare Home Program
- $5.3 million for 50 additional Community Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Liaisons
- $3.6 million and 53 staff members to address waitlists in Missouri’s Public Defender system
- $1 million in grants for violent crime prevention, community engagement, and law enforcement mental health support
- $21.5 million to recruit and retain quality Department of Corrections employees
- $6 million for county jail reimbursements
- $2.5 million to further support recidivism reduction programs
- $2.6 million and 11 State Highway Patrol Troopers to assist in violent crime investigations across the state
- $1.1 million for the Operation Legend Grant Program
- $1 million for the state’s witness protection fund
- $575,000 to provide grant funding for law enforcement officer safety equipment
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