The special session of the Legislature is moving to a close – possibly by week’s end – and a key Democratic Senator is looking with mixed emotions at what has and has not been accomplished. Senator Wayne Goode of St. Louis had advised Governor Bob Holden against vetoing any of the budget bills coming out of the regular legislative session. But, the Governor did veto four of them – forcing the special session. Goode says there is some positive news in that the re-done bills will put additional funding into schools and programs, but he’s concerned there are no additional revenues. Still, he thinks the Governor will accept the bills this time. Goode sponsored three revenue generating bills which were pushed to the back burner as the Senate forged ahead with its agenda. Goode says with the fiscal year beginning on July 1st, any budget veto now could have dire consequences.
