Ryan Pivoney

The Missouri Legislature approved several pockets of broadband funding in the state budget this session, but the total remains millions short of the governor's recommendations. The Missouri General Assembly passed a record state budget totaling $49 billion, which now awaits Gov Mike Parson (R-MO)'s approval. The budget includes roughly $372 million for broadband internet development and programs -- nearly $100 million lower than a plan proposed by Parson. At the 2021 state fair, Parson announced a plan to invest $400 million in broadband development across the state.