House Takes On Budget Debate

Members of the Missouri House begin debate on the budget today, a day before the Legislature must settle on the blueprint for funding state programs and services beginning July first. House Budget Committee Chairman Carl Bearden is prepared to defend the budget crafted by House-Senate negotiators in a marathon session that began Tuesday morning and ended early Wednesday morning. The budget set to hit the House floor today relies on generating more than $100-Million in new revenue without a tax increase, and $185-Million in bonds reserved for the next fiscal year. The Legislature must approve a budget by 6pm Friday.