MO budget inked

An increase in education spending highlights a $17 billion dollar state budget signed into law today by Governor Carnahan. The budget contains $174 million dollars more for education this year than last–a nearly 10% increase. It also raises spending on state colleges by $55 million dollars, which is a 6% increase. The governor is withholding the $160 million dollar capital improvement budget until two lawsuits that could potentially trigger Hancock Amendment refunds are resolved. The state fiscal year begins Saturday.