JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Representatives Sue Allen and Tom Flanigan, members of the House Budget Committee, expressed deep disappointment at the Governor’s decision to continue withholding $185.2 million from the balanced budget passed by the General Assembly.
Nixon originally withheld over $400 million, including funds meant for K-12 and higher education, mental health services, and programs for the developmentally disabled. As of today, only $215.2 million has been released.
“The money was and is available for these programs; the legislature made sure of that during the budget process,” Flanigan said. “With Missouri’s current surplus, there is no reason to continue withholding funds that were allocated as part of a balanced and fiscally responsible budget.”
Find out what's happening in Town And Country-Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Nixon released all of the money needed to maintain 1000 full-time state employees but is still withholding money from the Early Grade Literacy Program, Foster Care Outdoor Program, Rural Health Clinics – Dental Program, and $11 million needed to redesign the aging Fulton State Hospital,” Allen said. “Missourians are counting on the Governor to restore the remaining funds so all of these valuable programs can continue.”