Rusty Black Named Senate Appropriations Chair

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, announced the appointment of Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, as the new chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, will serve as the committee’s vice chair to assist in guiding its work.

With Sen. Black eligible to serve through 2030 and Sen. Hudson through 2032, Sen. O’Laughlin says these appointments provide stability and ensure years of continuity in the Senate’s budget leadership.

“Every good business has a succession plan, and the Missouri Senate should be no different,” Sen. O’Laughlin said. “Leadership on the budget requires not only planning expenditures but being accountable for results. With one-third of our caucus set to term out next year, it is vital to ensure continuity and stability in this critical role. Senator Black is well prepared to step into this responsibility and lead with the diligence Missourians expect.”

Senator O’Laughlin noted that long-term planning was central to her decision. “It has been my goal to appoint an Appropriations Committee chair who can gain valuable experience now and continue that work into the next session. Senator Black brings the right blend of expertise, integrity and a commitment to make certain Missouri remains on a strong fiscal path.”

Senator Black, who represents Missouri’s 12th Senatorial District, was elected to the Senate in November 2022 and sworn in on Jan. 4, 2023. He has served on the Senate Appropriations Committee since taking office, most recently as its vice chair. From 2017 to 2023, he served in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he was a member of the Budget Committee and chaired the Subcommittee on Appropriations–Education from 2019 to 2022.

“I am grateful for the confidence placed in me to chair the Appropriations Committee,” Sen. Black said. “Managing taxpayer dollars responsibly is the most important duty of the Legislature, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Missouri’s budget reflects our shared priorities and values.”