Holden And Legislators Asked To Use Federal Windfall To Help Balance Budget

Missouri’s two United States Senators, Christopher Bond and Jim Talent, are urging Governor Bob Holden and legislative leaders to use the $375-Million to $400-Million the state will get from the federal governemnt to balance the state budget without more spending cuts by the Legislature or the tax increases Governor Holden wants. The state will get the money from new tax cut legislation approved by Congress. Governor Holden says the Legislature has sent him a budget that’s $367-Million in the red. He’s vetoed about two-thirds of the spending program and has called lawmakers back to Jefferson City on Monday to write a budget more to his liking.