In his inaugural State of the State address on January 28, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe unveiled a comprehensive $53.7 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), emphasizing public safety, economic development, and education reform. The governor’s address outlined key initiatives aimed at securing Missouri’s future.
Public Safety Initiatives
Governor Kehoe underscored the paramount importance of public safety, stating, “Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety.” To bolster law enforcement, the budget proposes:
- Missouri Blue Scholarship Program: Enhanced funding to support law enforcement basic training.
- Blue Shield Program: A $10 million allocation to assist local communities with equipment and training needs.
- Sheriff’s Retirement System: An additional $2.5 million to support the system for another year.
- New Crime Lab: Funding for a state-of-the-art crime lab in Cape Girardeau, serving the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E region.
The governor also advocated for a comprehensive crime bill to increase penalties for violent rioting, fleeing law enforcement, and reckless stunt driving.
He emphasized the need for increased oversight and accountability of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Economic Development and Tax Reform
To make Missouri more attractive for business investment, Governor Kehoe announced plans to reduce taxes and cut regulations.
He has directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to develop a sustainable plan to eliminate the individual income tax.
The budget also includes a reappropriation of $100 million for rural road improvements, recognizing the link between infrastructure and economic development.
Child Care and Education Reforms
Addressing the child care crisis, the governor issued Executive Order 25-15, instructing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood to rewrite child care regulations for clarity. The budget proposes:
- Child Care Partnerships: $10 million in grants to support collaborations between employers, community partners, and the child care industry.
- Provider Payments: Starting in FY26, child care providers partnering with the state will receive monthly payments based on enrollment.
In education, the budget allocates $15 million in new funding to address needs of career and technical centers and an additional $5 million annually to support increased operational costs.
Executive Order 25-16 establishes the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge, aiming for better coordination among K-12 schools, local businesses, and higher education institutions.
Support for Alternatives to Abortion
Governor Kehoe emphasized the availability of alternatives to abortion in Missouri, committing to help pregnant women access resources like Pregnancy Resource Centers.
The budget includes a $4 million increase in funding to support expecting and new mothers, representing a more than 50% boost to existing services.
Governor Mike Kehoe’s first State of the State address outlines a strategic vision for Missouri’s future, focusing on enhancing public safety, stimulating economic growth, and reforming education and child care systems.
The proposed budget reflects a commitment to these priorities, aiming to create a safer and more prosperous Missouri.
