Capitol Report: Rounding out the year

By Phil Cobb | January 2, 2024 |

State Rep. Jeff Farnan District 1

As this year ends, we once again gather with people in our lives that we cherish to spend time together in fellowship, exchanging presents, friendship and love. The holiday season is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, and I hope that for each of you, it truly is.

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it’s only natural to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve traveled over the past twelve months. The year 2023 has been filled with its share of challenges and triumphs, lessons learned, and moments of growth. Each experience has shaped us in unique ways, contributing to the tapestry of memories that define this chapter in our lives.

In looking back, let’s celebrate the achievements, big and small, that have marked 2023. Whether it was personal accomplishments, professional milestones, or simply the resilience shown in navigating life’s uncertainties, every step forward deserves recognition.

In 2023, the Missouri House managed to pass a number of great bills, setting up Missouri once again for a brighter future. Here’s a look back at some of the major legislative accomplishments from 2023:

Missouri lawmakers this year approved the largest operating budget in the state’s history for Fiscal Year 2024. The budget, totaling approximately $51.8 billion, focused on strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, education and public safety. The state ended the previous fiscal year with a surplus of $7.8 billion. Some key highlights include the following:

Record funding for K-12 schools:

Over $9.8 billion allocated for K-12 public schools
$3.6 billion to fully fund the school foundation formula
Additional $233 million for a total of $347 million to fully fund school transportation
$29M to raise the minimum public school teacher salary to $38,000

Increased support for higher education:

More than $1.4B allocated for higher education and workforce development

Funding increases for I-70 expansion and infrastructure improvements:

$2.8B allocated to widen Interstate 70 to at least 3 lanes in both directions

Strong support for law enforcement and public safety:

20 percent pay increase for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Capitol Police

Looking Forward to 2024
The legislative session kicks off swiftly on Jan. 3, prompting House and Senate members to expedite the process of advancing their legislative priorities. The focus remains on building upon the groundwork laid in the previous year, with a collective commitment to finding practical and effective solutions to the state’s challenges throughout 2024.