Supporters of HJR 70 – a legislative effort to limit the growth of state government spending – are pleased with the progress they’re making, but they concede it’s going to be difficult to get the proposal through the Legislature in the final two weeks of the session.

Representative Allen Icet (R-Wildwood), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, says this effort has been attempted in previous sessions, but has never moved to the floor of the Senate or the House for serious consideration. He says a Senate hearing following approval in the House is an indication that progress is being made.

The proposal, if it clears the Legislature, would be sent to a vote of the people. It would ask Missourians to require the General Assembly to cap discretionary spending to the Consumer Price Index plus population growth – but only on General Revenue items. It excludes dedicated taxes like those used for various state departments and would only affect discretionary spending.

Approval in a Senate committee, this week, would send the proposal to the floor of the chamber for consideration.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)