Governor Mike Kehoe Delivers his State of the State Address:
This week on Tuesday, January 13th, Governor Mike Kehoe gave his State of the State Address. This is Governor Kehoe’s 2nd state of the state address and falls exactly a year after his inauguration.
In his speech, Governor Kehoe outlined the following priorities:
· Public Safety
· Economic Development
· Agriculture
· Education
Many lawmakers in Jefferson City are bracing for a year of tough decisions when it comes to the budget. With the state’s Covid-19 pandemic funding drawing to a close, Governor Kehoe emphasized the need to return to Pre-Covid spending levels, with a balanced budget focusing on the four priorities he outlined. To read more on Governor Kehoe’s budget, click here.
Governor Kehoe’s Proposals for Education:
During the State of the State, Governor Kehoe announced there will be no funding cuts to the core education funding. The Governor did, however, cut some discretionary programs. Overall, the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development received a $28.7 million cut. To read more about Governor Kehoe’s education budget plan, click here.
Budget Hearings:
Next week, the House budget committee will conduct a review of the Governor’s budget proposals. Hearings are planned for:
· Office of Administration (HB5)
· Employee Benefits (HB5)
· Real Estate (HB13)
· Re-Appropriations (HB17)
· Maintenance & Repair (HB18)
· Capital Improvements (HB19)
· Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund – ARPA (HB20)
· Department of Revenue (HB4)
· Office of the Lieutenant Governor (HB12) Hearing times and dates can be found here.
Senate Democrats Filibuster Gubernatorial Appointments:
On Thursday, Senate Democrats filibustered Governor Kehoe’s gubernatorial appointments. Democrats argued they were attempting to restore the Senate’s deliberate decision-making process. After 2 hours of filibuster, the Senate adjourned for the weekend without making appointments. This filibuster shows Democrats are still remembering the end of last year's session and could signal a period of partisanship in the Senate. To read more about Thursday’s filibuster, click here.
2026 Dates of Interest:
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Session)
Wednesday, January 28: State of the Judiciary (10:30am)
Monday, February 16: President’s Day (No Session in the Senate, House will still convene)
Thursday, February 26: Last Day to File Bills in the House and Senate
March 12-22: Legislative Spring Break (No Session)
Monday, April 6: Easter Holiday (No Session)
Friday, May 8: Deadline to Pass a Balanced Budget for FY 2027
Friday, May 15: Last Day of Session
Wednesday, September 16: Veto Session
Reviewed 2026-02-03