JEFFERSON CITY - State Democrats expressed surprise and optimism about the Governor’s budget recommendations yesterday. However, they think the state could make better use of a historic amount of federal funding from COVID relief payments.
House Minority Leader Crystal Quade says she takes issue with the Governor’s assertion that the budget will ensure public schools will be fully funded, because it shortchanges the cost of bussing students.
“As long as state funding per student public student transportation costs remains nearly $182 million underfunded. The claim of fully funding is just a fantasy,” said Quade.
Quade also said that Democrats believe the governor should expand funding for public transportation, affordable housing, as well as mental health services for children, health care workers, and educators.
