Money would go to build a new St. Louis ballpark, fix up St. Louis' Savvis Center arena, helping out Kansas City's stadiums and cultural district and building convention centers in Springfield and Branson.

Representatives tacked the increase in taxes and fees onto a Senate bill that increased revenue by only $50 million. The House version includes a business tax hike, which would raise another $95 million.

The measure now goes to a House-Senate conference committee to work out the differences.

Senators debated for 16 hours on the bill, and faced nearly 40 amendments, many of which passed on Thursday.

Senators briefly debated the plan, which would to use $120 million from the state's Budget Reserve Fund to cover a shortfall in state tax revenues in the budget that ends June 30. However, the proposal was laid over while debate continued on the stadium proposal.

Gov. Bob Holden announced last week that state tax revenues would come in more than $200 million less than had been originally projected. Holden pledged to withhold $56 million from state agencies and asked lawmakers to tap the so-called "Rainy Day" funds to keep the state's budget balanced.

House Speaker Jim Kreider (D-Nixa) has yet to assign conferees to most of the budget bills, while House Minority Leader Catherine Hanaway (R-Warson Woods) still isn't going along with proposals to use money from the Rainy Day Fund.

Now, both are pointing the finger at each other for the possibility of a special session on the budget.

Douglas J. Crader of the Jefferson City Christian Center Church coordinated the efforts in the Capitol for the National Day of Prayer.

Meanwhile, a conference committee approved a change to the state's foundation formula that would require $175 million for full funding. House Minority Floor Leader Catherine Hanaway, R-St. Louis County, criticized House Speaker Jim Kreider, D-Nixa, for refusing to appoint conferees to budget bills until the foundation formula was resolved.

Though the people in charge recognize that the Capitol building is open to the public, and believe the free exchange of ideas is important, they are aware of the disturbance it causes legislators and are trying to control its use.

Over the past two years, the rules associated with use of the rotundas have gotten stricter, which has resulted in fewer complaints.

The House bill calls for $175 million to fund education, in contrast with a Senate bill that funds schools by $50 million less.

Sen. John Russell, R-Lebanon, said he chose to cancel a scheduled conference committee meeting Tuesday night because House Speaker Jim Kreider refused to appoint negotiators for the bulk of the budget's 12 appropriation bills.

As of Tuesday, Kreider had appointed conferees for only the first two budget bills dealing with debt repayment and elementary education. Russell said Senators wanted to work on other issues.

Bill sponsor and Senate President pro tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, said the bill will provide economic development around the state and help revitalize downtown St. Louis. Opponents like Sen. Wayne Goode, D-St. Louis County, tried to amend the bill several times, but each failed. Goode would not rule out filibustering the bill when it comes up again on Thursday.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman John Russell, R-Lebanon, joined by the ranking Democrat, introduced the bill, saying the state's urgent fiscal crisis required the move. The bill would also use $50 million from the state's tobacco settlement payment.

Gov. Bob Holden announced Thursday that the state's tax collections would come more than $200 million short of expectations for the budget year ending June 30. Holden said money from the "Rainy Day Fund", a cash reserve for emergency use, along with further withholdings would be necessary to maintain a balanced budget.

The House adopted an amendment to the substitute that says the gaming commission has to remove keno games in Missouri unless voters approve of the game.

The plan brings back money for the Savvis Center, contingent on an NBA team and renovations to the Kiel Opera House.

The bill also places a cap on historic preservation tax credits, but removes plans relating to redevelopment of downtown Kansas City.

The Office of Administration says various options are still being considered, and denied reports that withholdings or delays in payments to higher education institutions had already been decided on.

While the legislature deals with the budget crisis, funding for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball stadium will likely be presented this week on the Senate floor for the first time.

Bill sponsors and Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon blame lobbyist pressure for stifling the bills.