A Missouri House Budget Committee hearing on HB4, MoDOT’s budget, is set for 12 noon on Monday, February 2 in House Hearing Room 3. It is critical transit riders, supporters, operators, and stakeholders weigh in on the importance of restoration of the proposed cuts to General Revenue for state transit assistance. Gov. Kehoe’s FY27 budget recommendations include a catastrophic loss for Missouri transit. After reducing state transit funding by 42% last year, the Governor now proposes to cut an additional $5 million from general revenue leaving just $1.7 million to be split among 30 transit providers statewide for operating assistance. Per capita spending has already dropped from $1.89 to $1.08 in the last year—which is among the lowest in the nation—and would drop to 27 cents under this proposal.
If this budget is adopted, state transit funding will have been cut by 85% since the Governor took office, even as demand for transit accessibility continues to grow among all age groups. Operational costs for transit providers continue to escalate and without adequate state funding, transit agencies will be unable to provide the local match required to secure federal funds for both operations and capital improvements.
Consider weighing in with the House Budget Committee with your personal stories, impacts to transit in your area or your business. Testimony can be submitted here:Missouri House of Representatives – Witness Testimony Form Contact information for the House Budget Committee is below.