Mo. budget 'not as bad' as other states, but includes funding sources in doubt
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Mo. budget 'not as bad' as other states, but includes funding sources in doubt

Date: January 25, 2010
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: Gov. Nixon's 2011 budget proposals

Intro:  Governor Nixon's 2011 budget plans include a quarter-billion dollars in cuts, but Republicans say they're not enough. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: If you think the state's current budget crisis is bad, next year will be even worse.

That's why Senate Republicans say Governor Nixon needs to make deeper cuts this year.

Instead, the governor plans to use $1 billion in federal funds to cover a shortfall.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Rob Mayer asked state budget director Linda Luebbering what'll happen when federal money runs out.

Actuality:  MAYER2.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: Mayer: "What do you got planned for FY 2012? LAUGHTER Mayer: "It's not really that funny." MORE LAUGHTER Luebbering: "It is not. It's not."

Luebbering admitted the governor will have to make more cuts next year.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:  Governor Nixon's 2011 budget proposal makes use of $300 million the state doesn't yet have. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Governor Nixon is counting on $300 million in federal funding to balance the state's budget.

Trouble is, the money is still tied up in Congress.

That concerned Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Kurt Schaefer, a Columbia Republican.

Actuality:  SCHAEF2.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "So $300 million of this budget, you are banking on the speculative effort of Congress."

Schaefer continued...

Actuality:  SCHAEF1.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "If that money doesn't come through, then the governor is going to do about $300 million of additional withholds next year."

Nixon's Budget Director, Linda Luebbering, says there's no guarantee the state will get the money.

She says Missouri could see those funds before the state's May budget deadline.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.