Missouri library funding gets restored in Senate committee's latest state budget proposal

The Missouri House had voted to prohibit spending for “staffing, vendors, consultants, or programs associated with diversity, equity and inclusion.” But Senate Appropriations Chair Lincoln Hough said after speaking with departments, businesses and vendors, he recommended removing that language.
Missouri’s proposed budget again contains state funding for public libraries and no longer prohibits any spending toward diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

The Senate Appropriations Committee made those changes as well as others to the House-approved budget on Wednesday. The committee also passed the operating budget bills, meaning they now go to the full Senate for debate.

Gov. Mike Parson’s proposed budget initially included around $4.5 million for public libraries.