Governor Blunt prepares to outline his priorities for this legislative session to a joint session of the General Assembly. The annual State of the State address provides the governor the opportunity to outline his legislative priorities for the year and to unveil his budget proposal. The speech will be delivered at approximately 7 o’clock Wednesday evening in the House Chambers at the Missouri Capitol. The Missourinet will begin its coverage at 6:50pm with many of its affiliates broadcasting the speech. The Missourinet will also stream the broadcast live on this Web site. The governor’s spokesman, Jessica Robinson, says the governor will propose increases to a number of programs due to a “very small, but real surplus” in the state budget. Robinson says the governor will propose a $214 million increase for education, plus extra money for a variety of educational programs. A state employee pay hike will be proposed. A tax cut is expected to be outlined. And health care will be emphasized. The legislature hopes to revamp the Medicaid program prior to its expiration in the middle of next year. This is Governor Blunt’s third State of the State address. Attorney General Jay Nixon, who is running for governor in 2008, will provide the Democrats response.
