Governor Matt Blunt insists the state budget is “structurally” out of balance. He says his proposed $19-Billion budget addresses that problem. Blunt tells the Missourinet state government has relied on federal funds and bond revenues to pay for on-going expenses. Blunt has come under criticism for his proposed deep cuts to social programs; state services for the poor. He says the only alternative to his proposal is to raise taxes, and he says he has taken that option off the table. The House Budget Committee is expected to finalize its review of Blunt’s proposal this week and bring budget bills to the House floor next week.
