Rudi Keller | Missouri Independent

The Missouri Supreme Court is questioning whether it should be the tribunal to hear the appeal of a Jackson County decision blocking enforcement of most Missouri abortion laws and regulations.

Gov. Mike Kehoe approved the tax cut expected to reduce revenues by $340 million annually even as he has been warning of future state funding shortfalls.

Already facing a difficult financial future, the state would have to choose whether to continue services or reduce spending for Medicaid, food aid and other programs.

The Senate Freedom Caucus is demanding tax cuts in exchange for not blocking stadium funds, while Democrats on Thursday retaliated for slights during the regular session by derailing the routine work of signing bills.

Missouri House Republicans waited until after the Senate adjourned Friday before refusing to bring a $513 million construction bill to a vote. That killed 86 line items, including projects for health care, education and law enforcement.

The House and Senate conference committees wrapped up two days of talks Thursday afternoon, finalizing a $53.5B budget for the coming fiscal year.

In a three-hour session, negotiators added millions more in general revenue across eight spending bills The negotiations conclude Thursday with final votes scheduled for Friday.

A bill that exempted National Guard duty pay from income tax now carries a $1.7 billion price tag for tax rate cuts extending to at least 2037

A top initiative from Gov. Mike Kehoe is in trouble as House Budget Committee considers the chairman’s spending plan, which also has less for state employees pay raises and $139 million for earmarks.

With more than 400 line items directed at particular districts or organizations, totaling $2.1 billion, lawmakers have continued to pile extras into spending bills as the state enjoys a near-record surplus