A Republican leader in the Missouri House defends budget numbers much rosier than those released by the Governor’s office. House Budget Committee Chairman CarlBearden of St. Charles defends his projection of a state budget balanced at best – $150-Million to $300-Million short at worst – during a casual briefing with reporters.And Bearden flatly rejects the billion dollar deficit projection of Governor Bob Holden. Bearden charges the Holden Administration has underestimated economic growthand overestimated the impact of federal tax cuts. He further states the administration foresees using much more of the money Washington sent to offset the tax cuts thisfiscal year, rather than using it next. Bearden is a Republican, Holden a Democrat. Bearden accuses Holden of forecasting a big deficit to build his case for tax increases. Bearden denies he’s adjusting his numbers to bolster his fight against Holden’s proposal.
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