Missouri National Guard presents FY27 request, highlights federal funding and deployments

Brigadier General Bob Payne, deputy Adjutant General for the Missouri National Guard, told the House Budget Committee the Guard prioritizes readiness and careful stewardship of both federal and state resources as it presented its FY2027 budget request.

Payne said the Guard’s operations brought in more than $473,000,000 in federal funding to Missouri during the prior year and contributed “nearly $1,000,000,000 in total economic impact across the state.” He listed recent operations and training—Air National Guard overseas exercises, large Army training events in the United States, Germany and Panama, and deployments supporting six missions overseas—with more than 620 members deployed and an additional 337 preparing for deployment in 2026.

Payne also described six state missions in the past year, including four state emergency activations, the governor’s inauguration and funeral honors for former governor and senator Kit Bond. He called the Guard “a people‑first organization committed to professionalism, accountability, and service.”

Nick Humphrey, deputy director, walked the committee through budget cores and NDIs. He confirmed the governor recommended spending authority for federal funds for base operations support at Rosecrans Airport but did not recommend a general‑revenue match for that item. Humphrey also described other cores that had no change in the governor’s recommendation and noted several NDIs were not recommended.

Committee members pressed for details about fund prioritization—Representative Chappell asked whether the Guard plans to spend federal and other funds before general revenue when allowed. Humphrey replied the department typically spends GR first to ensure other funds remain available for fluctuations in program costs. Members also asked about an internal auditor position (a $65,000 request) to comply with statutory audit requirements; Humphrey said the Guard currently has no auditors and the position would be required to comply with the statute.

On deployment funding, members asked whether the Guard would proceed to provide security support for the World Cup in Kansas City without an appropriation. Humphrey said deployment details were still being worked out and the governor could direct use of the state emergency line, but the department typically relies on appropriated funds unless the governor places the mission on his emergency funding line.

What’s next: The committee accepted the presentation and moved into executive session to consider the supplemental and amendments. Committee members asked staff to follow up on specific line items and sources of gifts and other funds.

Provenance: topicintro: SEG 039; topfinish: SEG 136

Speakers quoted (first reference): Brigadier General Bob Payne (SEG 039); Nick Humphrey (SEG 126).