State of the State Address
On Tuesday, January 13, Governor Mike Kehoe delivered the 2026 State of the State Address. In his speech, he highlighted his commitment to working with the General Assembly towards a common goal: building a strong foundation for growth so that the next generation inherits a Missouri that is safer, stronger, and full of opportunity. The Governor also presented his Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 legislative and budget priorities.
Bills Heard This Week
On January 12, the House Emerging Issues Committee heard HB 2061. Sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R-89), HB 2061 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions. Public testimony was heard, including many witnesses both in support and in opposition.
On January 13, the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard HB 1628. Sponsored by Rep. Willard Haley (R-58), HB 1628 modifies provisions relating to the department of higher education and workforce development. Leah Strid, Director of External Relations at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), gave testimony in support of this bill, which fixes several statutory discrepancies and removes sunset provisions.
On January 14, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee heard HB 2274. Sponsored by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-6), HB 2274 adopts the “Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact." Leah Strid testified for informational purposes. MDHEWD works closely with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in our shared responsibility to prepare the future teacher workforce, and this Compact could help address the teacher shortage issues in Missouri.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the committee meetings that have been announced that will be hearing bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Higher Education and Workforce Development
Tuesday, January 20
Noon
House Hearing Room 1
House Emerging Issues
Tuesday, January 20
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 5
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Wednesday, January 21
Noon
House Hearing Room 7
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