Millions of dollars in marijuana tax revenue earmarked for key public services in Missouri remain largely unspent, drawing criticism from state officials and raising concerns about funding delays.
Roughly $95 million in revenue set aside for veterans services, public defenders and drug-addiction programs sat unused at the end of the last fiscal year, according to a recent state audit. Projections show more than $60 million could remain unspent over the next two years without legislative action.
State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick criticized lawmakers and the governor for allowing the funds to go unused, noting the Missouri Constitution requires the money to be directed specifically to those three areas.
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget would transfer $131.7 million into the designated funds, including $51.7 million for public defenders and $40 million each for veterans services and addiction treatment. However, officials say the issue persists if agencies are not authorized to spend the money.
The Missouri State Public Defender System has struggled to secure approval for pay raises and additional staffing, citing a 23% turnover rate. Director Matthew Crowell said low salaries remain the top reason attorneys leave, and requested funding to raise starting pay and add social workers to assist clients.
Lawmakers have proposed scaling back some of those requests, including reducing planned pay increases and limiting the number of new positions.
Funding proposals for addiction treatment programs have also been debated, with some lawmakers expressing concern over cuts to prevention programs in schools and courts.
The Missouri Veterans Commission is expected to use its full allocation, leaving no surplus in that fund.
State officials say the debate centers on how to properly allocate and authorize spending of the funds, which voters approved in 2022 with the intent of providing additional resources for public services.
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