Missouri approves record-breaking $50B budget, including I-70 expansion project.

Missouri lawmakers have approved a $50 billion state budget that includes a $2.8 billion expansion of Interstate 70 to three lanes across the state. The budget also prioritizes funding for pre-K education and childcare, with $78 million set aside for childcare subsidies and another $56 million to expand access to pre-K. Public K-12 schools will receive $3.6 billion in primary funding, and public colleges and universities will get a 7% funding hike. The budget also includes $171 million to raise pay for workers who care for people with developmental disabilities and a 20% raise for Missouri State Highway Patrol officers.