STATE BUDGET

Missouri’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year.  State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by October 1.  Agency hearings are held from January through April. Public hearings are held in January and February.  The governor submits a proposed budget to the state legislature no later than 30 days after the legislature convenes.  The legislature is required to adopt a budget by the first Friday after the first Monday in May.  The governor is legally required to submit a balanced budget. The legislature is not required to pass a balanced budget, but the governor is required to sign one.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The Missouri General Assembly has a 34-member Senate, who are term limited to two four-year terms, and a 163-member House of Representatives, who are limited to four two-year terms.  The Assembly convenes on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January and adjourns on May 30.  Bills do not carry over from year-to-year.

KEY RESOURCES

• Missouri General Assembly
• Office of the Missouri Attorney General
• Governor of Missouri
• Information on Healthcare Policy in Missouri