State Rep. Bill Owen of Springfield has been appointed chair of the Missouri House Budget Committee, effective immediately.
The appointment was announced by House Speaker Jon Patterson, according to a community announcement. Patterson said in the announcement that Owen's banking background and experience in the Legislature make him well suited to lead the committee responsible for developing the House budget.
Owen represents portions of Greene County and has served in the Missouri House since 2021. He also previously served in the House during 1981-82. In addition to his new role, Owen serves on the House Budget Committee and chairs the Financial Institutions Committee.
Patterson praised Owen's approach to government spending and budget management.
"Representative Owen is a proven champion for fiscal responsibility and a steady hand when it comes to stewarding taxpayer dollars," Speaker Patterson said in the announcement. "He brings nearly four decades of real-world banking experience and a deep understanding of how to balance budgets and prioritize core responsibilities of government, making Bill the right person to lead our Budget Committee."
Budget leadership changes in the Missouri House
The appointment takes effect immediately and places Owen in charge of the House committee that helps shape Missouri's spending plan.
Owen said in the announcement that he appreciates Patterson's confidence and plans to focus on balancing the state budget while protecting key government services.
"I am honored by Speaker Patterson’s trust and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Missourians in this capacity," Owen expressed in the announcement. "I will continue to be a champion for taxpayers, focused on delivering a balanced budget that protects essential services, and prioritize what matters most with transparency and discipline."
Patterson, a Republican from Lee's Summit, represents District 30 and serves as speaker of the Missouri House.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield representative tapped to lead Missouri House budget panel
