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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Reps. Betsy Fogle and Stephanie Hein, both Springfield Democrats, successfully oversaw the inclusion of roughly $86.6 million in state funding directly benefitting Springfield as lawmakers delivered the FY 2024 budget to the governor Friday.
“I am proud of the work we accomplished, creating a budget that will leave a lasting impact on our institutes of higher education, infrastructure, health care and workforce development efforts,” Fogle said. “This budget reflects the needs of Springfield's families and will set the next generation up for success, and it was a pleasure to work alongside Appropriations Chairmen Senator Lincoln Hough to support our mutual constituents.”
Fogle represents the 135th District and is in her third year serving on the House Budget Committee. Hein hails from the neighboring 136th District and is in her first year on the committee.
“We earned sizable investments in Springfield’s public schools, families and seniors, and I look forward to continue working next year to bring more state funding back home,” Hein said.
Fogle and Hein supported Missouri’s education and workforce development needs. They worked to appropriate over $3.6 billion in funds towards the foundation formula, advocated to fully fund transportation needs for Missouri schools ($347.3 million), send $55.8 million towards expanded pre-Kindergarten access and services, a plan to increase starting teacher pay to a minimum salary of $38,000, and sizable investments in Missouri State University and Ozark Technical Community College (OTC) totaling nearly $42 million in new appropriations.
Additionally, Fogle and Hein supported $4.7 million for fast-track programs at OTC and Missouri State University to help nontraditional students finish earning their degrees in need-based careers, $3 million for additional apprenticeship and training programs and made more funding available for child care across the state to support working families.
They worked hard on language to empower Springfield families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Together, Fogle and Hein helped divert over $14 million to several Springfield nonprofits that support families in poverty and supported major investments in Missouri’s foster care system to improve child welfare. Additionally, they played an instrumental role in raising hourly pay to roughly $16 an hour from about $12 an hour for health care providers that assist the developmentally and physically disabled, supported more than $82 million in additional funding for statewide agencies on aging, specifically locking down $1 million for the Give 5 volunteer program to connect seniors with volunteer opportunities across the Springfield region.
Fogle and Hein also supported several health care initiatives, working to secure $5 million for a new youth mental health facility in Springfield, $4 million for the Jordan Valley Community Health Center and $2.4 million for additional medical residency spots to attract and develop new physicians.
On the infrastructure front, the legislators supported $8 million in funds for the Jefferson Ave. footbridge and $2.5 million for the Fellow’s Lake bridge. They also worked with state Rep. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, as he took the lead to secure funding for repairs and construction for Interstate 44 amidst a larger statewide effort to expand Interstate 70.
"I am proud of the work Representatives Fogle and Hein, as well as Senator Lincoln Hough, accomplished for Springfield this budget cycle,” said House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield. “Rep. Fogle has proven her skills over the past several years on the Budget committee, and I knew immediately Rep. Hein would be a great fighter for Springfield as well. I am so thankful to have the honor to appoint them to this important committee, and I know Springfield is grateful for their service as well."
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