Missouri Legislative Update (April 20, 2026)
1. Senate Boosts Education Funding
The Senate Appropriations Committee added:
$118 million to cover shortfalls in gaming, lottery, and tobacco revenues
$15.2 million for student transportation
This helps stabilize school funding that was under-supported in the House budget.
These increases are not final yet—they must survive Senate floor debate and conference committee negotiations.
2. Budget Timeline
The full Senate will debate the budget this week.
Then it moves to a conference committee to reconcile House and Senate differences.
Advocacy is still critical to keep added funding intact.
3. Property Tax (SB 1410)
A major bill to watch this week.
Concerns:
Potential caps or limits on property taxes could reduce local school funding flexibility.
Shifts long-term financial risk to school districts.
4. Income Tax Proposal (HJR 173)
Sent back to the House with Senate changes:
Removes automatic income tax cuts tied to revenue growth.
Requires sales tax increases first before cutting income taxes.
Extends decision window from 3 to 5 years.
Would go to voters (Aug/Nov 2026) if approved.
Could significantly reshape long-term school funding.
5. A–F School Report Card Bill (HB 2710)
Moving quickly toward Senate debate.
Would:
Replace current system with A–F letter grades for schools
Create performance-based grants tied to student outcomes
School leaders are encouraged to provide feedback before floor debate.
Bottom Line
There are positive funding gains, but nothing is final.
Major policy decisions on taxes, accountability, and funding structure are still in play.
Continued advocacy is critical over the next few weeks.