On Tuesday, Governor Mike Kehoe delivered the 2026 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly, outlining his legislative priorities and budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
The governor’s address centered on spending decreases amid declining revenues and depletion of federal COVID relief funds that had been used to substitute for general revenue funds in prior budgets. Kehoe’s budget recommends nearly $600 million in spending cuts while still meeting mandatory spending requirements for Medicaid, childcare, and disaster relief. Kehoe’s budget includes some small spending increases, including a $10 million boost in state spending for the MOScholars school choice program.
The governor also highlighted his support of a proposal to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax, which he plans to put before voters in November.
In addition, Gov. Kehoe clearly affirmed his support for Amendment 3, the pro-life ballot initiative that will go to the voters this fall. “Amendment 3,” he said, “reflects Missouri’s long-standing commitment to life and standing with women.”
The press release, the full speech, and the FY 2027 Budget are all available here.