PoliticsJuly 4, 2026

appropriation

/əˌproʊpriˈeɪʃən/

Definition

The legal action or legislative process of setting aside a specific sum of money for a particular public purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'appropriare', meaning to make one's own or to assign to a particular person or use. It entered Middle English through Old French and evolved to refer specifically to the formal allocation of public funds.

In the news

The article notes that the former governor's office shifted funds between agencies without following the proper appropriation process, which obscured the true costs of operations. This mattered because it allowed the office to bypass the standard legislative oversight meant to control government spending.

Audit finds former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s state flights often lacked public purpose

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KCUR

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