The Missouri General Assembly passed a $35 billion budget on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 that fully funds K-12 public education and maintains essential social service programs, despite shortfalls in general revenue. The Fiscal Year 2021 state operating budget includes more than $14 billion in federal funds, much of it tied to COVID-19 relief efforts.
The budget for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education survived the budget process without significant reductions. Spending on education will actually increase in 2021, as the School Foundation Formula is fully funded and increased federal resources are directed toward distancing learning technology and off-campus meal programs.
The Department of Agriculture also received increased funding, with $20 million set aside to assist food processing facilities.
A $1.1 million appropriation for the University of Central Missouri’s aviation training facility at Skyhaven Airport was also approved as part of the Department of Transportation’s budget. The funding will supplement more than $2 million of private funding pledged for a new terminal and training center.