Senate passes $21.4B state budget

The Senate’s version of the state budget calls for a $147 million increase for elementary and secondary education, in addition to more funding for Medicaid and health care programs.

Among the 13 bills are a $132 million increase for the school foundation formula and a $15 million increase in funding for the Small Schools Grant program. Universities and colleges are slated to receive increases of between 4 percent and 5 percent.

Another $150 million was dedicated to cover growth in Medicaid, while $13.4 million is slated for the Ticket to Work program, which provides Medicaid to disabled employees who would like to work but risk losing benefits. The state’s effort to switch all medical records to electronic versions will receive $7.5 million.

Funding for other health programs include: $3.9 million for autism, $960,000 for the Missouri Alternatives to Abortion program, $219,000 for four additional senior nutrition centers and $500,000 for the Show-Me Healthy Women program. Another $500,000 is set aside for forensic rape exams that rape victims are usually required to pay for, and the budget calls for a $3.8 million increase in payments to foster care parents.

The Senate and the House of Representatives now must reconcile their versions of the bills. The measures then will go up for final approval by both bodies and Gov. Matt Blunt’s signature.

The budget must pass by 6 p.m. May 11.