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The Missouri Attorney General’s office, led by Catherine Hanaway, has submitted a request for nearly $1 million to furnish new offices in a state building located in Chesterfield. This funding proposal is part of the supplemental budget aimed at addressing financial shortfalls as the fiscal year concludes.
The new office spans 5,000 square feet, with the bulk of the funds allocated for furniture and equipment. This significant expenditure has raised concerns among legislators, prompting calls for a detailed explanation of the justification, particularly in light of Missouri’s current financial situation.
Legislative scrutiny of the funding request
In recent discussions with The Independent, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have voiced concerns regarding the $989,000 funding request. Of this total, $17,000 is allocated for rent, while a substantial $972,000 is earmarked for furnishings. This proposal faces intense scrutiny following a warning from Governor Mike Kehoe about an impending depletion of the state’s revenue surplus.
Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, expressed her apprehension, stating, “That’s a lot. I think I’d want to look that plan over.” Legislative committees in both the House and Senate are scheduled to convene hearings this week to examine the implications of the supplemental budget requests.
Background on the new office space
The new office will accommodate the solicitor general’s team, led by Louis Capozzi, whose salary exceeds that of Hanaway. This move follows the state’s acquisition of a 116,000-square-foot building and an adjacent parking garage for $16.25 million in January 2026, replacing the former Wainwright State Office Building in downtown St. Louis, which was sold off in September 2026.
The solicitor general’s office plays a critical role in handling major legal cases, including those related to redistricting and abortion. The establishment of this new office is intended to enhance the team’s capabilities, providing adequate space for effective operations.
Cost implications and future considerations
The financial aspects of the funding request have been defended by both the Attorney General’s office and the Office of Administration. They maintain that the costs align with standard estimates for outfitting new office spaces. Stephanie Whitaker, Hanaway’s spokesperson, emphasized that the proposed expenditure is not merely an upgrade of existing furniture, but rather the creation of a completely new work environment. “This is the first time a desk is being put in at all,” she explained.
Details of the office setup
The proposed office will house 19 offices, along with conference rooms and essential furniture, which has been classified as standard and modular. According to Shayne Martin, a spokesperson for the Office of Administration, the total cost breaks down to approximately $750,000 for preparing the space and $222,000 for furnishings, resulting in a buildout cost of about $150 per square foot.
Capozzi, who recently transitioned from a prestigious law firm, is essential in attracting skilled attorneys necessary for managing high-profile cases. According to Whitaker, the St. Louis location is strategically beneficial for recruiting top talent, given the proximity to a federal courthouse.
Legislative oversight and future hearings
The upcoming hearings by the House Budget Committee will serve as the initial platform for scrutinizing this funding request. State Rep. John Voss, a Republican member of the committee, expressed a need to hear detailed explanations from the Attorney General regarding the necessity of this investment in their strategy. He remarked, “I still need to hear that particular testimony.” Following the House’s review, the Senate Appropriations Committee will also evaluate the funding request on Thursday.
The new office spans 5,000 square feet, with the bulk of the funds allocated for furniture and equipment. This significant expenditure has raised concerns among legislators, prompting calls for a detailed explanation of the justification, particularly in light of Missouri’s current financial situation.0