Episode Summary:

Coming off a bittersweet Fourth of July, Skyler and Michelle dig into what independence means in Missouri—especially when the state budget and new laws seem to leave so many behind.

In this episode, we break down the FY26 Missouri State Budget, signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, and what his $2 billion in vetoes really mean for public education, nonprofit services, infrastructure, mental health, and more. We also look at the national “Big Beautiful Bill” and how it’s putting pressure on Missouri’s health care systems. Finally, we offer real, concrete actions you can take to speak out and get involved—right from your phone.

What We Cover:

• Reflections on Independence Day and what freedom looks like in 2025
• What’s actually in Missouri’s $50.8B budget—and what was cut
• Governor Kehoe’s reasoning vs. the real-life impacts of his vetoes
• How federal cuts in the “Big Beautiful Bill” affect Missouri’s Medicaid system
• New laws taking effect, including SB 22 (ballot language), HB 567 (sick leave/wages), and the hands-free driving law
• What Missourians can do right now to protect their communities

CallsTo Action:

• Click HERE for More information about the John Lewis Day of Action, July 17th.

Phone Call Script

Purpose: Call your Missouri state legislator to oppose tax cuts for the wealthy and vetoes that undermine community well-being.

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your Town or ZIP code]. My phone number is [Your phone number].

I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the direction of Missouri’s FY26 budget.

I oppose the tax cuts that benefit wealthy investors—like the capital gains repeal—and I’m asking you to speak out against the decision to veto essential funding for public schools, mental health, nonprofits, and community programs that working families rely on.

These vetoes hurt our district. We need investments in people—not giveaways to those who already have more than enough.

I’d like to know: where do you stand on these cuts, and what will you do to protect the public services we depend on?

Thank you for your time.”

Email Script to Missouri Legislators

Subject: Oppose Capital Gains Tax Breaks & Restore Vetoed Community Funding

Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your Town or ZIP Code]. I’m writing because I’m deeply concerned about the direction of Missouri’s FY26 budget.

While the governor called his budget “fiscally responsible,” the reality is that $2 billion in vetoes have stripped away crucial investments in things that build stronger, safer, and more connected communities—including:

• CASA programs that support children in foster care
• Mental health response teams like the ARCH program
• Nonprofit grants that provide housing, job coaching, and violence prevention
• Literacy and reading programs that help Missouri kids succeed
• Public libraries, clean water infrastructure, and local aid

At the same time, Missouri enacted a $400 million annual tax break for capital gains—a move that overwhelmingly benefits wealthy investors. This creates a budget shortfall that’s now being used to justify cuts to the very services working families depend on.

These are not just numbers—they’re choices. And I’m asking you to make a different one.

Please:

• Speak out publicly against these vetoes and the ongoing shift of burden away from the wealthy and onto everyday Missourians
• Support the restoration of community-based funding that helps children, educators, rural families, and the elderly
• Reject future tax breaks that only deepen inequality and disinvest from our shared future

Budgets should reflect our values. Right now, the people doing the most with the least are being told to wait—while the wealthy get rewarded. That’s not the Missouri I believe in.

Thank you for your service, and I hope to hear how you’re standing up for our district.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your City or ZIP Code]

[Optional: Phone Number]

📰 Related Articles and Statements:

• Governor Kehoe's Official Statement: Click Here
• Full Veto List: Click Here
• John Lewis Day of Action Information: HERE
• Missouri Independent Budget Article: Click Here

Resources

League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov

The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email [email protected]