Gov. Parson signs record $47.5 billion state budget; billions to education and workforce development

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ.)

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a record $47.5 billion 2023 state budget, highlighting more money to Missouri educators among others.      

Gov. Parson says the budget for 2023 gives more Missourians education and training that can be used to build a better future. 

The bill shines a light on the importance of education and workforce within communities in Missouri,  which the director of Missouri's Teacher Association says is key. 

"There isn't anything more important to the future in Missouri than a well-trained workforce and a well-educated citizen... and that starts in public schools," said Bruce Moe, executive director of Missouri's Teacher Association.

Part of the budget includes $228 million that continues state employee pay raises provided in the 2022 Supplemental Budget Bill. 

$722 million would go toward strengthening the state's child care network by increasing the quality of child care. 

$21.8 million would go toward strengthening teaching recruitment and retention by increasing the educator's salary to $38,000 dollars a year.

"Missouri teachers are paid worse at the beginning of their career than any other state. And I think that? Gov. Parson certainly indicated in his state of the union address that was unacceptable and we would agree with that. Missouri has to do better to attract and retain the very best teachers we want," said Moe.