Rudi Keller
Missouri Independent ReporterRudi Keller covers the state budget and the legislature. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he spent 22 of his 32 years in journalism covering Missouri government and politics for the Columbia Daily Tribune, where he won awards for spot news and investigative reporting.
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The Missouri House narrowly passed a spending bill that reallocates $1 billion in support for colleges and universities as part of a $50.4 billion budget for state operations. Some schools would see their funding cut by 40% or more. -
State colleges and universities face big changes in state funding under the $50.3 billion budget for state operations in the coming fiscal year. The budget also includes $60 million for an expanded private-school voucher program -
The state began implementing a new $250 million computer system for accounting in 2024. The system was heavily criticized during last year’s legislative session and further deployment was halted in the fall so the system could be redesigned. -
When state lawmakers passed the bill allowing Missouri to collect sales tax on internet purchases, they also expanded an exemption for mining and manufacturing. Two counties that lost 20% of their sales tax revenue want the courts to nullify the law or force the state to replace the money. -
The latest court case, like others filed earlier, argues that no authority exists in the Missouri Constitution for redrawing district lines without new census data. -
At an event in Columbia, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he is confident he was on firm legal ground when he called lawmakers into a special session. But with three lawsuits pending against the new map, the governor said it was up to the courts to prove him right. -
Business groups lobbied heavily to overturn the measure passed by 58% of voters, arguing it would cost jobs. The bill also repeals annual inflation adjustments for the minimum wage, in effect since 2006. -
State lawmakers return to work this week to tackle tax breaks for sports stadiums against a backdrop of sluggish revenues and a declining surplus. -
Late Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025, current Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced the passing of former U.S. Senator and Missouri Governor Christopher S. "Kit" Bond. He was 86. -
The House and Senate conference committees wrapped up two days of talks Thursday afternoon, finalizing a $53.5B budget for the coming fiscal year.
