John Rizzo

In a rare instance of triumph for Missouri Democrats, an effort to raise the bar to amend the state constitution — a central GOP priority — was defeated.

Lawmakers have until 6 p.m. Friday to finish work before adjournment.

Lawmakers had until 6 p.m. Friday to pass the budget. The final product is roughly $1 billion less than Gov. Mike Parson proposed.

The Federal Reimbursement Allowance, which is a tax on hospitals, ambulance districts, nursing homes and pharmacies, is set to expire at the end of September. The Senate gave it initial approval early Thursday morning after more than 40 hours of filibustering by the Missouri Freedom Caucus.

A major piece of unfinished business is a proposed ballot item that would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution.

The legislation, which now goes to the Senate, would place control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under a board consisting of governor-appointed members and the mayor of St. Louis.

The annual state budget and a tax that funds the bulk of Missouri’s Medicaid program are two things that must pass this session.

Senate Democrats filibustered against the bill from early Monday evening into Tuesday afternoon. They ultimately stood down after the passage of a bipartisan amendment that stripped the proposal down to its main goal, which they think voters will reject.

Missouri Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin said she ‘absolutely’ would vote to remove Sen. Bill Eigel from the chamber.

Members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus held up the Senate for hours on Thursday over the lack of action on legislation that would make amending Missouri’s constitution more difficult.