An intial attempt at resolving the differences between the budget approved by the Missouri House and the one approved by the Senate has been made. No resolution has been reached. But both sides say the talks have been helpful. House Budget Committee Chairman Carl Bearden met with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman John Russell and the top Democrat on the Senate committee, Wayne Goode, last night. Bearden notes the two sides approached the budget much differently and that must be resolved, but he also says the House has been reluctant to embrace all the revenue producers the Senate has proposed. Bearden says the only tax increase the House might consider would be an increase in the tax on casinos, but he doubts even that tax would make it through the House. The two sides have until May 9th to reach an agreement.
