Missouri Legislature’s broadband spending falls short of governor’s proposal

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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. He then laid out more details for the spending during his State of the State address in January, where the plan grew to more than $460 million. While funding for broadband infrastructure and coverage mapping remained intact through the legislative process, the General Assembly slashed funding for broadband towers, rural telehealth access, broadband grants and the Public Safety Broadband Network at the Capitol Complex. Parson's proposed $30 million for a digital literacy campaign, $9.6 million for public wifi at state parks and $30 million to assist Missourians with monthly internet bills were entirely cut through the legislative process. The General Assembly designated broadband funding through a few bills, but a bulk of the funding is in House Bill 3020, a spending bill appropriating the state's use of federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.


Missouri Legislature’s broadband spending falls short of governor’s proposal