Missouri House passes major FY2026 appropriations, backing K‑12 increases and new program funding

The Missouri House of Representatives on April 2 passed a package of appropriations bills that together fund large portions of the state's fiscal 2026 budget, including a record increase for K‑12 education, new transportation and infrastructure investments, and funding for public safety and health programs.

House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, the main K‑12 appropriations bill, "includes a record amount of funding for our public schools," the budget chairman, the Gentleman from McDonald County, told the chamber. The bill passed on third reading, with the yeas being 95, the nays 34 and 25 present.

Why it matters: These bills together shape the state's operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. They allocate billions for schools, colleges, transportation, public safety, veterans' care and health programs, and set policy priorities that the Senate will next consider.

What passed and key details

Votes at a glance

- House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2 (K‑12 appropriations): Passed; yeas 95, nays 34, 25 present. Sponsors said the bill provides roughly $4,000,000,000 for public education and a $47,900,000,000 operating budget total; some members said it falls short of fully funding the foundation formula.

- House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3 (Higher education and workforce): Passed; yeas 117, nays 17. Includes a 1.5% core funding increase and $27,100,000 for deferred maintenance for public colleges and universities.

- House Committee Substitute for House Bill 4 (Revenue and Transportation): Passed; yeas 147, nays 6. Sponsors highlighted $70,000,000 in new general revenue for MoDOT, $20,000,000 for rural roads and…