(Jefferson City, MO) - With a day to spare before a constitutional deadline, lawmakers in the Missouri General Assembly passed a $24 billion budget to fund the state for 2013.
After contentious debate between the House and Senate, lawmakers passed bills to fully fund elementary and secondary education, give a pay increase to some state employees, and fund most of the state's blind health care program.
As with previous years, a large amount of education funding is contingent on lottery sales, and revenue levels for the broader proposal are based on modest revenue estimates.
The package, which cuts funding millions in transportation and agriculture spending, now heads to Gov. Jay Nixon for approval.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Nixon, who Wednesday criticized a provision within the budget that places an eligibility cap for blind health care, said he is currently reviewing the proposal.
"I appreciate the efforts of the General Assembly to get a budget to me within the constitutional deadline," Nixon said. "As I give this budget a very thorough review over the next several weeks, Missourians should know that we'll continue to live within our means and hold the line on taxes, while doing everything possible to help businesses grow and create jobs."
State Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, said the budget has a balance of about $6 million.
Related:
No Funding Increases for MSU, Mizzou in State's 2013 Budget
Done Deal: Missouri Lawmakers Pass $24 Billion Budget
After contentious debate between the House and Senate, lawmakers passed bills to fully fund elementary and secondary education, give a pay increase to some state employees, and fund most of the state's blind health care program.
As with previous years, a large amount of education funding is contingent on lottery sales, and revenue levels for the broader proposal are based on modest revenue estimates.
The package, which cuts funding millions in transportation and agriculture spending, now heads to Gov. Jay Nixon for approval.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Nixon, who Wednesday criticized a provision within the budget that places an eligibility cap for blind health care, said he is currently reviewing the proposal.
"I appreciate the efforts of the General Assembly to get a budget to me within the constitutional deadline," Nixon said. "As I give this budget a very thorough review over the next several weeks, Missourians should know that we'll continue to live within our means and hold the line on taxes, while doing everything possible to help businesses grow and create jobs."
State Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, said the budget has a balance of about $6 million.
Related:
No Funding Increases for MSU, Mizzou in State's 2013 Budget
Done Deal: Missouri Lawmakers Pass $24 Billion Budget
