The probe into the Department of Natural Resources Department memo that allegedly threatened firings of anyone helping lawmakers deal with the state budget crisis has met again. Today, the panel heard from Gary Heimericks, the DNR official who presided over the February 20th meeting at which the notes were taken. During today’s testimony, Heimericks told a joint House-Senate committee that budget cuts could result in job losses, but never told anyone there would be firings of those helping lawmakers. Heimericks adds he told officials at the meeting they are expected to speak with any state lawmakers who asks specific questions about the budget, but not to negotiate the budget. The investigation is expected to continue after lawmakers return to Jefferson City from their spring break.
