Kehoe signs $50 billion budget with about $470 million in vetoes, restricted funds

By: Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) -- Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday signed a fiscal 2027 state budget of about $50 billion, while vetoing or restricting about half a billion dollars in funding, including money for major local projects.

Among those projects are the University of Missouri's Energy Innovation Center and a new campus agriculture center. Kehoe decided to restrict $2 million meant for the innovation center and $5 million meant for the ag center. That money could be spent later if state finances improve.

The fiscal year begins Wednesday.

Kehoe has repeatedly warned about too much spending by the General Assembly, and echoed that sentiment in a statement released Tuesday.

“State government doesn’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and continuing to spend faster than we grow our economy is not a sustainable path forward,” Kehoe said in a news release. “Our work doesn’t end with balancing this year’s budget. By maintaining fiscal discipline and continuing to grow Missouri’s economy, we are building the foundation for an even more strong and resilient Missouri.”

The budget included using $179 million in one-time funding to pay for ongoing costs, Kehoe's office stated in the release.

Kehoe vetoed 65 line items worth more than $30 million in revenue. That money included $250,000 for Mid-Missouri-based Coyote Hill Foster Ministries and $500,000 for Powerhouse Columbia, both budgeted through the Department of Social Services.

Another $250,000 was voted for substance abuse and mental health treatment courts.

Restrictions total about $441 million.

Kehoe preserved $15 million for Jefferson City's downtown conference center project. City leaders praised the action, and Mayor Ron Fitzwater emphasized in a prepared statement that the conference center will leverage the city's status as the state capital to attract visitors and business.

Check back for updates to this developing story.