By Bill Raack/AP
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri counties have sued the state over
budget cuts they claim violate state law.
The Missouri Association of Counties this week filed two lawsuits in Cole County. Among the defendants are Governor Bob
Holden's office, the state Office of Administration and the treasurer's office.
The lawsuits claim that the so-called Hancock Amendment was violated when legislators trimmed about two million dollars from the 18 million paid last year to county assessors -- and several million more from inmate reimbursements.
The Hancock lid prohibits a reduction in the state-financed proportion of costs for any existing or required county services.
The lawsuits seek an immediate injunction to stop the losses.