State of the State
Governor Mike Kehoe delivered the State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 28. Kehoe shared his plans for a Safer Missouri initiative, including investments in education and recommendations for investments across Missouri.
As part of his remarks, Kehoe provided an overview of his Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) budget proposal. Highlights for higher education and workforce development activities include:
- A 1.5 percent increase ($16.8 million) for all four-year public universities, community colleges, and State Technical College of Missouri.
- $6.7 million for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant to expand aid for working adults returning to school for programs in high demand fields.
- $500,000 for the Re-Entry 2030 Initiative, which assists justice-involved individuals with securing employment upon release with the goal of reducing recidivism.
- An additional $1 million to support college and career advisors as they connect students to high-demand career paths and training programs as part of the new Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge.
- Recommending a one percent salary increase for every two years of state service (up to a maximum of 10 percent) for all state employees.
Brian Hammons Confirmed to CBHE
Brian Hammons’ appointment to the Coordinating Board of Higher Education (CBHE) went before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 29. He was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, January 30.
Hammons is the President of Hammons Products Company in Stockton, Missouri. He is the third-generation leader of the company, which was established in 1946 and is the leading commercial processor of American Black Walnuts.
Hammons, a Republican from Stockton, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Missouri Southern University in 1980 and a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist Law School in Dallas, Texas. He has been actively involved in the Black Walnut company since 1987 after practicing law in Kansas City. Hammons currently serves as Chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mercy Health Springfield Communities, and the Foundation of Evangelism.
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Budget Hearings
The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) attended several budget hearings this week, including presentations from the Office of Administration on the Supplemental (HB 14) and the FY 2026 Governor-recommended budget review. Higher education items in the supplemental appropriation request include debt offset increases for several institutions and additional funding authority for Access Missouri and Fast Track.
Bills Heard This Week
On January 29, the Senate Committee on Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics, chaired by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-34), heard SCR 3. Sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter (R-32), SCR 3 modifies the statewide mission of Missouri Southern State University. The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence, chaired by Sen. Nick Schroer (R-2), heard SB 167. Sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory (R-21), SB 167 modifies provisions related to the offense of hazing.
On January 28, the Senate Committee on Progress and Development, chaired by Sen. Brian Williams (D-14), heard SB 110. Sponsored by Sen. Karla May (D-4), SB 110 designates the week in which January 5 falls each year as “Kappa Alpha Psi Week” in Missouri. The House Committee on Emerging Issues, chaired by Rep. Brad Christ (R-94), voted HB 742, sponsored by Rep. Ben Baker (R-160), do pass. HB 742 prohibits state departments from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the announced committee meetings that will be hearing bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Budget Committee
Monday, February 3
12 p.m.
House Hearing Room 3
House Emerging Issues
Monday, February 3
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment
House Hearing Room 7
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Monday, February 3
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment
House Hearing Room 1
Senate Government Efficiency
Monday, February 3
2 p.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
Senate Education
Tuesday, February 4
8 a.m.
Senate Lounge
Senate Appropriations
Thursday, February 6
8:30 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
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