Image
The Missouri House recently approved their version of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The House-approved $46+ billion budget contains funding for Greater St. Louis, Inc. priorities, including sustained investments in the Missouri Technology Corporation and public transportation, and new investments in advanced manufacturing.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. worked with House appropriators on a sustained investment in funding for MTC and public transit, securing $15 million and $8.7 million ($7 million general revenue + $1.7 million state transportation fund), respectively. GSL also worked with the House Budget Committee on a new appropriation that will invest $15 million in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center in St. Louis.
The House also amended the budget bills to include language regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. GSL believes that if enacted, this language will jeopardize state economic and workforce initiatives and have negative consequences related to state contracts, hiring, and employment standards. It also sends a signal to potential investors, residents, and workers that Missouri is not a place they want to visit, live, or do business. Greater St. Louis, Inc. is actively advocating for this language to be removed from the budget.
The budget is now under consideration in the Missouri Senate. The Senate’s version of the budget is expected to be voted on next week.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. Chief Policy Officer Tracy Henke today issued the following statement on the House’s passage of a state budget:
“Greater St. Louis, Inc. thanks House Budget Chair Cody Smith and members of the Missouri House who recognize the value in increasing state investment in innovation, public transit, and advanced manufacturing in the St. Louis metro and across the state.
“Greater St. Louis, Inc. encourages the Senate to support our budget priorities that will help grow the St. Louis metro and the entire state.”