Missouri House Approves Senate Bond Plan To Ease Budget Shortfall

A proposal to ease the current state budget crunch and provide help to close a budget gap next year has passed the Missouri House. Members of the House accepted the changes made by the Senate and plan to send Governor Bob Holden a bill that will provide $150-Million now and about $185-Million next year. Out is a bond proposal relying on the state’s portion of the national tobacco settlement. In its place is a proposal relying on rent paid on public building. The proposal won approval on a 127 to 26 vote and has an emergency clause making it effective upon the signature of the Governor. Holden has said even with the bond money, he still will have to withhold about $60-Million from Missouri’s public schools.