For Immediate Release: April 3, 2024Contact: Traci Gleason, A new analysis from the Missouri Budget Project shows that the expansion of school vouchers like those through the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts would require school districts to increase the amount of local Read More

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would expand the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, or vouchers. While the financial impact of vouchers would vary widely by district, some increases could be substantial and may require a local tax increase. Read More

The past year saw a dramatic rise in housing values and property tax assessments in counties across Missouri, resulting in steep increases in property tax for many homeowners. At the same time, Missouri saw larger rent increases than any other state, with a 13.18% increase in Read More

The Missouri Budget Project’s “Introduction to Missouri’s State Budget” outlines Missouri’s budget process, including where the state’s revenue comes from and how the state allocates funding. View the 2024 Version View the 2023 Version View the 2022 Version View the Read More

Although employment has improved dramatically since the peak of job loss during the pandemic, Missouri’s strong unemployment rate masks considerable geographic disparities. Further, not all Missourians have recovered equally. Tying unemployment benefits to economic conditions Read More

We all benefit when working parents earn enough to support their families and can care for their health and their children’s health without risking their jobs or paychecks. An upcoming initiative on the 2024 ballot would build prosperity for Missouri families and communities by Read More

Missouri workers are the engines of our economies. When they earn a decent wage and can afford to care for their families, then they can fully participate in their communities and contribute to Missouri’s economic growth. An initiative on the 2024 ballot would build quality jobs Read More

Many hardworking Missourians seeking to build better lives for themselves and their families face barriers to employment due to past convictions. Despite having paid their debts to society, criminal records can reduce economic opportunity for those who have had involvement with Read More

In February 2023, sales of recreational marijuana became legal in Missouri following voter approval of a state constitutional amendment that legalized marijuana for Missouri residents over age 21. This amendment included a six percent state sales tax on recreational marijuana. Read More

Contrary to the extraordinary growth of general revenue in recent years, state revenue is stagnating, which will result in difficult budget decisions in future years. The fluctuations in state revenue are a result of overlapping factors. Specifically, federal COVID funding has Read More