A proposed $1.5 million state appropriation to help construct a new track at the Houston School District is dead.
It was among vetoes issued Monday by Gov. Mike Kehoe. In all, Kehoe trimmed $511 million in spending and restrictions of expenditures.
“I’m disappointed,” said State Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston. “I appreciate the students, school and community working hard to get this in the budget. The track project is good for the entire county.”
The cuts were necessary, Kehoe said in a press release, because state revenues are being squeezed by extra spending for public schools he did not support, tax cuts he does support and the cost of disaster relief from a major tornado in St. Louis and storms in other parts of the state.
The list of cuts eliminated 109 of the 248 earmarked items. Another 23 were reduced by the Republican governor’s use of the line-item veto and 23 more are under restriction, meaning the only way the money will be spent is if Kehoe specifically orders it or lawmakers vote to override him.
Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent of Houston Schools, notified staff via email Monday afternoon of Kehoe’s decision.
“There have been several individuals behind the scenes that have worked extremely hard on this matter,” Copley said. “I appreciate their support and hard work. As always, we will rebound and discuss the best path forward.”
In February, Zamkus & Associates, LLC was hired by the district as a governmental lobbyist to assist with track and field efforts at the state level. The measure was included in a House spending version that won final approval by the Missouri General Assembly.
“We are disappointed to learn that the governor has vetoed the appropriation of a much-needed track,” said Copley. “While this decision is disappointing, we remain hopeful that future opportunities will arise to bring this important project to fruition.”
A local effort previously failed to gain voter approval. Proposition Track and Field – a $3 million no levy increase bond issue – failed to get the necessary 57.14% of votes to pass in April 2024. The tally showed 54.84% of voters approved the measure.
Other cuts included $2 million for Shafer Road improvements in the Licking area and $169,156 for a treatment court commission for Maries, Pulaski, Phelps and Texas counties.
Property owners along Shafer Road — which leads to the George O. White State Nursery northwest of Licking — have complained that the road has crumbled after Sherrill Township reverted its ownership to the Missouri Department of Transportation. Potholes have multiplied.
“I appreciate the Licking community working hard on this project,” said Cook. “We’re not giving up on either of these projects. We’ll work to get them in next year and I’ll work with MoDOT to get help on Shafer Road in the interim.”
