Missouri House Passes Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
March 31, 2009
Jefferson City
by Chuck Gatschenberger
On Tuesday, March 24, we began debate on the budget bills, and in a marathon session on Wednesday, March 25, we passed a $22.8 billion budget for the State of Missouri. At 10:45 p.m. after almost 12 full hours of debate, we were able to come together and agree on a balanced budget for Missourians.
Crafting a budget is never easy and in this economic climate, it presented even more challenges. As a financial planner, I assist individuals in writing a custom budget to fit their means. This helps them to stay on the right track to gain financial independence. I am happy to say that with this knowledge, I was able to help in the task of passing a budget that keeps Missouri in the forefront on economic prosperity.
As the economy took a sharp downturn over the past year and a half, many states have been forced to raise taxes or slash programs to meet the current levels of incoming revenue. For example, California has heavily cut education funding to meet the 2009 budget; South Carolina just proposed cutting education again for a total of $387 million since July. Kansas just voted to cute $26 million from education. Not in our state. Here in Missouri, we continue to fully fund the education budget, even with a slump in revenue.
The budget will now be shipped off to the Senate where changes will most assuredly be made. When we go to the Conference Committee, we will be sure to keep the minds of the working Missourian with us as we come together to pass a balanced budget.
As I always request, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at 573-751-3572 or by e-mailing me at chuck.gatschenberger@house.mo.gov.
Chuck Gatschenberger
Missouri House of Representatives
Chairman – Freshman Republican Caucus
Majority Caucus Deputy Whip
District 13
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