JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Gov. Jay Nixon said today that as a result of a growing economy and fiscally responsible policies, Missouri is starting the 2016 fiscal year in a strong fiscal position and is able to make smart investments that will move the state forward.
“Missouri’s strong position at the start of this fiscal year is a testament to our growing economy and the sensible, fiscally conservative policies we’ve pursued over the past six years,” Gov. Nixon said. “As other states are mired in budget uncertainty and gridlock, Missouri’s growing economy and AAA credit rating is enabling smart, responsible investments in our students, schools and communities. I will continue to bring Democrats and Republicans together to balance budgets, create jobs and move our economy forward.”
State Budget Director Linda Luebbering’s final revenue report for 2015 showed that overall net general revenue collections increased 8.8 percent for the year. While this increase was still below what was needed to fully fund the FY 2015 budget passed by the General Assembly, it was a significant improvement over the revised projections of 4.6 percent.
In addition to providing record funding for K-12 education and continuing to expand services for Missourians with developmental disabilities, the Fiscal Year 2016 budget includes a number of important investments that will benefit Missouri families such as: $13.7 million for health care insurance for low-income pregnant women who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid; and $13.6 million to expand child care eligibility to more low-income families.
