Missouri
Missouri Senate avoids impasse over budget to make constitutional deadline • Missouri Independent
With passage of a $51.7 billion budget Thursday, the Missouri Senate beat the constitutional deadline by 24 hours after a debate that left Republican leaders exhausted but satisfied.
A 41-hour filibuster stalled all work last week – including planned budget debates on a committee-passed spending plan. To make the deadline, Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough began negotiating with House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith last week on what should be removed from the Senate plan, and what the House would accept from it, to get bills that would pass both chambers.
The 17 spending bills passed during Thursday’s eight-hour debate – one for the remainder of the current fiscal year, the rest for the year that begins July 1 – will be up for a vote in the House on Friday.
But even before the Senate began voting, Gov. Mike Parson said the rushed work means his budget office hasn’t had time to review it. He told reporters he will not leave large unfunded needs for his successor to cover.
The budget needs to have the money required for the coming year because he leaves office in January, Parson said.
“We’re not going to do the largest supplemental (budget) in our state’s history,” Parson said. “I just don’t plan on doing that because all you’re doing then is just passing it on to the other legislators that are going to be coming in with the next governor.”
Hough had to navigate a Senate that has been dysfunctional all year because of Republican factional fighting in order to put the upper chamber’s stamp on a spending plan that arrived from the House a week later than normal.
Most of the debate on Thursday was consumed by members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, who argued the budget spent too much, circumvented the regular process and gave legislators little time to scrutinize it.
Hough also had to endure criticism that delays in getting the budget on the Senate floor put him in the weakest position for negotiations with the House of any recent appropriations chairman.
“This was begging by the Senate appropriations chair to the House chair to take a budget to avoid a special session,” said Sen. Bill Eigel a Weldon Spring Republican and candidate for governor. “The Senate chair realized he had no leverage.”
Hough, a candidate for lieutenant governor, defended the budget he crafted during intense talks with Smith.
“This budget is not built around the mentality you have, which is just to beat somebody into submission,” he said to Eigel.
The total budget is about halfway between the $50.7 billion spending plan passed in the House last month and the $53 billion proposal Hough and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved. It is also about $1 billion less than the budget proposed in January by Parson.
The bills call for spending $15.3 billion in general revenue, with $14.6 billion for agency operations. That is about $287 million more than Parson proposed and $424 million more than the House-approved budget.
The budget for the current fiscal year, including the supplemental appropriations approved in the Senate, is $53.5 billion, with $15.8 billion in general revenue spending.
The budget includes a 3.2% pay raise for state employees, a 3% boost in funding for state colleges and universities and $727.5 million for improvements to Interstate 44, half from general revenue and half from new state debt.
Most of the money Hough added to the budget to boost salaries at agencies that provide support for adults with developmental disabilities did not survive negotiations. Instead of a $325 million boost to those programs to allow agencies to pay $17 an hour, the increase was pared back to $74 million. Whether that will allow any pay increases was unclear in the hours after the Senate votes.
There were seven to nine Republican votes against all but two of the bills. The five members of the Freedom Caucus were often joined in opposition to the spending bills by Sens. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who is running for secretary of state, Jill Carter of Joplin, who quit the Freedom Caucus last week, and Mike Moon of Ash Grove.
That left 15 to 17 members of the Republican majority in favor of the bills, meaning none of the spending bills would have passed without the help of Democrats.
Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo was quick to note that votes from his caucus made the difference.
“They needed our votes on every single bill outside of two, and they even voted against the agriculture budget, which was pretty interesting for us,” Rizzo said. “ So Ag funding was propped up by Democrats this year, so the agricultural community, your welcome. Thank Democrats.”
Prior to the debate, members of the Freedom Caucus demanded that general revenue spending not exceed the projected revenue for the coming year of $13.2 billion. Hough insisted that there is enough money in construction and other projects, as well as in agency funding designated as one-time appropriations, to meet that.
The difference between the projected revenue and the planned spending will come from a massive surplus that has accumulated in the treasury. In all funds that can be spent like general revenue, it is about $6.4 billion.
During debate, Eigel said the surplus should not be used to balance the budget.
“Balance means that the revenues coming in equal the revenues going out,” Eigel said. “Cash in your savings account is not a revenue item.”
The Missouri Constitution makes it clear that accumulated surpluses can be included in the budget plan.
Demanding a budget target regardless of other resources or the needs of the state is an argument designed to win political points, not govern responsibly, Rizzo said to reporters after the budget debate.
He said he expects Parson to eventually call a special session to add money so programs can operate through the year.
“Some of the Freedom Caucus members were pretty insistent on getting to a certain number,” Rizzo said, “and I think the way that they got to that certain number will probably make sure that there’s a special session sometime in the future, maybe in the fall.”
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 22, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 22 drawing
03-22-34-54-61, Mega Ball: 08
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 22 drawing
Midday: 5-5-2
Midday Wild: 8
Evening: 7-7-0
Evening Wild: 8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 22 drawing
Midday: 6-4-7-5
Midday Wild: 0
Evening: 4-5-6-2
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 22 drawing
Early Bird: 12
Morning: 09
Matinee: 08
Prime Time: 01
Night Owl: 10
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 22 drawing
07-12-22-38-39
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) -Gov. Mike Kehoe signed proclamations Friday placing four constitutional amendments on the August primary election ballot, moving up several questions that will shape Missouri’s tax structure and voting process.
The primary election will take place on August 4.
“With several significant issues set to appear before Missouri voters this year, it is important that we both prepare for the outcome of each proposal and allow each issue to receive the careful public consideration it deserves,” Kehoe said.
Two of the amendments are facing strong opposition: Amendments 4 and 5.
Past election data show more Republicans are likely to vote in the August primary election. Likely voters polled by Saint Louis University showed support for Amendments 4 and 5, with more Republicans in favor than Democrats.
All other ballot measures, if certified, will be on the November general election ballot.
Amendment 1: Natural resources sales tax
Amendment 1 continues for an existing sales tax one-tenth of one percent sales tax that supports soil and water conservation, state parks, and historic sites for 10 more years.
The ballot will read: “Shall Missouri continue for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites, and resubmit this tax to the voters for approval in 10 years?
The measure allows continued collection of the existing sales and use tax, which generates revenue of approximately $140 million annually.”
Amendment 2: County assessors
Amendment 2 requires all charter counties, including Jackson County, to elect a county assessor and requires assessors to comply with training requirements established by state law.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- require all charter counties, including Jackson County, to provide for the election of a county assessor; and
- require assessors in all charter counties to comply with any training requirements established by general law?
State and local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.”
Amendment 4: Constitutional amendments
Amendment 4 modifies current requirements that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution. It requires a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, and makes available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- Modify current requirements that a statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution;
- Require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; and
- Make available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot?
The Department of Corrections estimates increased annual costs of up to $21,817. The Office of State Public Defender estimates an unknown fiscal impact. Other state governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. ”Missouri Realtors formed the Protect Majority Rule Campaign Missouri to oppose Amendments 4 and 5.
“Amendment 4 would effectively kill our initiative petition process that our citizens have to make laws directly,” said spokesperson Scott Charton.
Moberly Republican Rep. Ed Lewis, who sponsored Amendment 4, said the change is needed.
“It’s not fair that only a few sections of the state, essentially around the urban core, are essentially dictating what the constitution is going to contain,” Lewis said.
A separate group, Protect MO Voters, supports Amendment 4.
“Missourians deserve a Constitution that is protected, not hijacked by out-of-state special interests and paid signature-gathering operations. Amendment 4 ensures that changes to our founding document have real statewide support,” the group said in a statement.
Amendment 5: Taxes
Amendment 5 requires the phase-out and elimination of the individual income tax based on revenue growth and requires the reduction of property taxes and other local taxes to offset any local sales tax revenue increases, while preserving local funding for public schools.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- Phase-out the individual income tax based on revenue growth;
- Reduce personal property and other local taxes when local revenues increase;
- Modify the sales and use tax to eliminate income tax and reduce local taxes; and
- Protect local funding for public schools and other purposes?
The proposal has no direct impact on state or local tax revenue. If passed, implementing legislation will have an unknown impact to state and local tax revenue. If implemented, state government entities expect a reduction of $57,000 annually in income tax check-off donations and implementation costs of at least $100,000.”
Amendment 5 is Kehoe’s tax plan. If voters approve the plan, lawmakers can raise sales tax or introduce new ones to replace the state income tax.
“The current system that we have now is 100 years old and we need to modernize it, we need to update it to reflect the current times that we live in,” said State Rep. Jon Patterson, speaker of the Missouri House.
New taxes could be placed on services, including real estate transactions.
“We call it the Everything Tax,” Charton said. “It would allow lawmakers to just ignore existing constitutional protections and raise new sales taxes and add new sales taxes on services.”
Kehoe said placing the income tax measure on the August ballot gives lawmakers additional time to prepare for implementation.
“Modernizing Missouri’s outdated tax code, specifically, will be a momentous task for the Missouri General Assembly,” Kehoe said.
A poll released this month from Saint Louis University and YouGov shows 52% of likely Missouri voters support a taxing system that relies on sales taxes instead of income taxes. However, when asked about taxing specific items, the taxes were a lot less popular. The most agreeable possible new tax is a sales tax on streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.
Missouri
Colombian national sentenced to 25 years for raping, impregnating 12-year-old girl in Missouri
Illegal immigrant accused of groping high school girls in Virginia sparks outrage
Emily Compagno, Kayleigh McEnany, Harris Faulkner, and Steve Doocy discuss the arrest of Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz (19), an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, accused of groping 12 female high school classmates in Fairfax County, Virginia. The Outnumbered panel slams the school district for allegedly covering up the assaults for weeks, violating state law. They also criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies, which allowed him to enter illegally in 2024.
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A Colombian national was sentenced this week to decades in prison for sexually exploiting a minor in Missouri, authorities said.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Brayanne Escobar-Guarnizo was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.
Escobar-Guarnizo was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in September 2024 after authorities received a report alleging he had impregnated the girl.
DHS said investigators uncovered photos and messages allegedly showing that Escobar-Guarnizo repeatedly made advances toward the child and requested nude photos and videos.
MAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO RAPING 12-YEAR-OLD RELATIVE IS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM HONDURAS, DHS SAYS
Brayanne Escobar-Guarnizo was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl in Missouri, authorities said. (Department of Homeland Security)
According to DHS, Escobar-Guarnizo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor in August 2025. He was initially charged with production of child pornography.
He was sentenced Monday to 300 months, or 25 years, in prison.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis praised the sentence in a statement.
ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING OWN RELATIVES: ‘MONSTER’
Photos and messages showed Escobar-Guarnizo repeatedly made advances toward the child and requested nude photos and videos, according to investigators. (REUTERS/Robert Galbraith)
“This dirtbag was charged with production of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor after he raped and impregnated a 12-year-old girl,” Bis said in a statement.
According to DHS, Escobar-Guarnizo illegally entered the United States in 2023 under the Biden administration.
“Thanks to the investigative work of ICE law enforcement officers and our state and local partners, this child predator has now been sentenced to 25 years behind bars,” Bis said. “This illegal alien NEVER should have been allowed into our country by the Biden Administration.”
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at work. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“Under Secretary Mullin, we will continue to target criminal illegal aliens and get them OUT of our communities,” she added.
DHS said the sentencing followed an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with state and local law enforcement agencies.
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