While the 2027 Missouri legislative session may still be months away, now is the time to weigh in with Governor Mike Kehoe and his administration on the importance of transit investment in the state. October marks the beginning of the process to develop the Governor’s budget to be unveiled in January. This year, it will be more important than ever for transit riders, advocates and stakeholders to weigh in with the Governor’s office on the importance of this funding moving forward. Right now, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission request is $9 million for public transit operating assistance.
The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission approved MoDOT’s SFY 2028 State Transit Assistance request at their meeting in August. The request includes the following elements, totaling $9 million:
- $5 million in General Revenue (GR)
- Changing the existing $1.7 million in State Transportation Fund (STF) assistance to $2 million
- An additional $2 million from the State Transportation Fund
As transit providers and stakeholders are aware, the state investment in public transit has declined significantly over the past two years as the state has faced budgetary challenges. This year, the Governor’s budget proposal eliminated General Revenue funding for transit operations. The Conference Committee ultimately provided $2.5 million from the Capitol Commission Funds, resulting in a total of $4.2 million in state transit operating assistance.
For SFY 2028, the $5 million in General Revenue and the additional $2 million in State Transportation Fund assistance will be considered New Decision Items (NDI) and will be subject to legislative approval.
“This is a great first start thanks to MoDOT understanding the importance of continuing to provide state assistance to both our rural and urban transit providers. As state budgetary issues continue, it will be imperative that riders, businesses and supporters speak up early starting now and often for transit with our legislators especially in light of the number of freshman legislators,” said Kim Cella, executive director of Missouri Public Transit Association.
Ways to get involved:
- Transit supporters can help by reaching out to the Governor’s office on the importance of transit investment using the links below:
- Send a letter to your local paper on the importance of state public transit investment.
- Take a ride on public transit and consider taking a friend to introduce them to transit.