Representative McGaugh Analyzes Budget

The Missouri Legislature passed a $35 billion state operating budget last week. Representative Peggy McGaugh, a member of the Missouri House Budget Committee, says funding for healthcare workers was an area she was focused on during budget negotiations.

Other notable items include the K-12 education formula, a two percent raise for state workers, and additional funding for the state’s public defender system. McGaugh says finalizing the budget was a bipartisan effort.

The finalized budget doesn’t take into account the $2.8 billion set to come to Missouri through the American Rescue Plan. McGaugh says those funds will be discussed during a special session in the coming months.

Early indications are Governor Mike Parson will likely call the special session some time in July.