Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a budget totaling $50.5 billion for state operations Friday. But he also struck a little more than $1 billion worth of items from the spending plan approved by state legislators, including several items that would have funded projects in Springfield. Here’s where money is, and isn’t, going locally from those totals.
What did Parson veto for the Ozarks?
- Parson cut in half the allocated funding for a building for Jordan Valley’s PACE, or Program for All-Inclusive Cafe for the Elderly, a healthcare facility in Springfield, vetoing $2 million. In the appropriation letter, the governor notes that Jordan Valley already received $5 million in last year’s budget, the remainder of which has been reappropriated in this year’s budget. The program connects participants with resources to help seniors age at home safely.
- $5 million for renovations, development and expansion of youth sports facilities in Springfield were also slashed. In his appropriation letter, Parson noted that this is “a local responsibility with minimal statewide impact.” City’s chief spokesperson Cora Scott said this was not a project for which the city had requested funds.
- A portion of funding to expand the Nursing and Allied Health Program at Missouri State University-West Plains was vetoed. From the total $1.85 million allocated, Parson vetoed $1.3 million, leaving the expansion with $509,500. Parson noted that in 2023 the university received grant funds to help with the expansion of the nursing program.
- Parson cut $150 million in general revenue funds going toward I-44 improvements.
- A cultural center focusing on the history of the Ozarks in West Plains did not receive anticipated $5 million as Parson vetoed it, noting that the General Assembly grossly over-appropriated Budget Stabilization Funds.
- Little Heroes Park in Taney County did not receive $50,000 for maintenance and improvements with Parson pointing out that the project is lacking a specific scope and details.