Staff Contact: Jane Drummond
Today, Gov. Parson delivered his annual State of the State address, outlining his budget priorities for the state’s 2023 fiscal year. The speech focused on Missouri’s continued economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant investments in education, workforce, infrastructure, broadband, public safety and agriculture.
With respect to health care, the governor is proposing $140 million to support and enhance mental health and substance use disorder treatment. He recommends $127 million for community-based crisis stabilization services and to transition individuals from the Children’s Division and nursing homes. A $34 million broadband investment will increase access to telehealth by rural households. The governor’s budget also includes a $2.7 million expansion of the Fulton State Hospital, $4.2 million to double the capacity of the state’s autism centers and funding to implement the state’s PDMP.
The budget proposal contains funding for Medicaid expansion, including funds to pay for services, as well as additional staff to administer the anticipated enrollment increases.