However, the governor does have at least one key ally: House Speaker Jim Kreider who reaffirmed his support for the governor's plan at a Thursday news conference.

The governor proposed expanding gambling and extra gambling fees as means to boost revenues to fund education.

But he also announced budget cuts for many other areas of state services.

His proposals to use gambling to boost funding for education came under immediate attack from both Republicand and Democratic legislators.

GOP lawmakers also criticized the governor for leaving out of his legislative program some of the major issues of the session such as transportation and property tax changes.

Under the plan, the University would get $411.3 million in state funds compared to the $460.5 million that had been appropriated by lawmakers last year for this budget year that ends on June 30.

Holden called for tax amnesty for gambling riverboats in Missouri, raising riverboat entry fees by $1, and removing limits on how much money patrons can lose.

Holden's speech -- which addressed other issues than budget scantily, if at all -- also called for dipping into tobacco settlement money and tapping the state's Rainy Day Fund, which is designated for use in emergencies or economic downturns.

Anti-abortion legislators say they will continue to oppose public funding of family-planning programs which include abortions.

The bill would raise general sales taxes by 1.25 cents and fuel taxes by fours cents per gallon.

The panel suggested three main budget reforms. They including changes in the way revenue is estimated, strengthening legislative oversight of programs, and eliminate the concept of "core" budgeting.

Rohrback says private prisons have traditionally been poorly run, creating an inhumane environment for inmates. He also says communities have no control over where private prisons are located or what inmates they house.