A logjam on a veterans homes bill has been broken in the state senate, opening the way for approval of the new state budget.
Cape Girardeau Senator Jason Crowell had been blocking votes on any bill since an all-night filibuster ended early Tuesday morning, protesting plans by the Speaker of the House to give Southeast Missouri State University an extra two million dollars the school had not asked for.
Southeast Missouri State will get some extra money, but most of the extra money will be spread among several other schools.
Approval of the bill provides millions of dollars more for veterans homes and services. That, in turn, lets budget-writers fill in some important blanks in the budget that has to be approved by Friday evening. Legislative leaders now hope that work can be finished tomorrow, allowing lawmakers to have a three-day weekend before the push to adjournment next week..
AUDIO: Sens. Lager & Crowell 2:26
