Governor Holden says times remain tight in state government and he wants the input of Missourians to help shape next year’s budget. The Governor says revenues are coming in below projections and are forecast to continue to do so. Though Holden says it’s too early to be specific, if things don’t improve the state could face a shortfall of between $300-Million and $500-Million. He wants departments to tighten their belts and wants to end two corporate tax breaks, which he says could add $70-Million to $100-Million to state coffers. Holden will have to go a little further to impress House Republican Leader Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods who notes a special mid-day budget summit called by Holden lacked diversity. Hanaway says the problems are real and the Governor needs outside help to solve them.
