State budget proposal includes funding for Springfield projects, schools

The Missouri General Assembly finalized budget documents last week, and a portion of the funds are proposed for Springfield projects and schools.

The roughly $50 billion budget is now on Gov. Mike Parson's desk for approval.

A news release from Democratic Springfield state Reps. Betsy Fogle and Stephanie Hein indicates $86.6 million in budget proposals would directly impact the Queen City.

Among the Springfield proposals are nearly $42 million in new appropriations for Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College; $4.7 million for Fast Track programs at OTC and MSU; $3 million for additional apprenticeship and training programs; $8 million in funds to repair the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge; $2.5 million for a Fellows Lake bridge; and $28 million in funding for repairs and construction along a five-mile stretch of Interstate 44 and its intersections within the city. Also included is more funding for Missouri schools and for increased teacher pay, with $3.6 billion in funds appropriated for the foundation formula.

"This budget reflects the needs of Springfield's families and will set the next generation up for success," Fogle said in the release.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, said the proposed fiscal 2024 state budget would support the workforce.

“Our budget allows for the recruitment, development and retention of teachers as well as expanding education opportunities to the most vulnerable families," he said in a separate news release. "Previous investments in apprenticeships, job trainings and certifications are yielding a more skilled and diversified workforce and this budget will continue to support those efforts."