A crying shame is a situation that makes you sad or disappointed. For some of us, a crying shame also describes legislation passed in opposition to those issues we are so passionate about. The sum of all actions at the end of a legislative session can leave many of us in tears, or worse.

 I want to speak for a moment about how seriously the members of the Missouri legislature take their responsibilities.  Many of us go home with heavy hearts. Our decisions are burdens that can have an impact on our happiness and our health. Last week, two of our members ended up in the hospital. One of our Representatives had to have gall bladder surgery; another suffered a heart attack.  I wish for both a speedy recovery.

 The stress levels at the end of session are extreme. Debates turn into arguments. Promises evaporate.  Anticipated outcomes are disrupted. And if the drama in the Capitol isn’t enough, we deal with personal attacks and lies on social media.  Serving in the legislature is no picnic. 

The primary responsibility of the House is proposing an annual budget. Our office of appropriations works year-round to provide an accounting of the State’s income and expenses. The budget committee takes the first five months of the session to use those numbers and forecast the budget for next year.

 The legislature just gave final approval to next year’s budget. For the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2027, our total state budget is estimated to be $50.7 billion.  It is $1.1 billion less than the previous year. In the next few years we expect to see a continuing decline in appropriations and increases in the cost of government.  

 The appropriations for the ’25-’26 school funding formula was the highest in Missouri history at $4,2 billion. The appropriation for ’26-‘27 will be exactly the same. The conversations about cuts in education were about the lack of appropriations to fund increases in the formula.   

 The big-ticket items in next year’s budget are increases in appropriations for Social Services, Mental Health, and Health and Senior Services. Next year, the appropriations for each are $18.2 billion, $4.5 billion, and $2.1 billion. Collectively, they represent a one-year growth in state government of about $1.2 billion.

 With declining appropriations and increases in the cost of government, the next few years will be a minefield of painful outcomes, and that my friend is a crying shame.

 The statutory end to our 2026 legislative session is May 15th.  We will still be around to take your calls or answer your emails.  We have already started planning for next year.  Let us know how we can shape the future of Missouri. My legislative assistant is Jill Ryals, 573-751-6668, and the best way to reach me is Bruce.Sassmann@House.Mo.Gov.