By B. Raack, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – For Missouri Gov. Bob Holden, the upcoming year presents a number of challenges.
He will be dealing with a Republican-controlled House and Senate for the first time. And the state budget is expected to be the subject of much negotiation. Spending cuts - which have totaled nearly $900 million over the past two years - are likely to play a prominent role.
Holden says he's ready for a fight and that his budget priorities in 2003 will be higher education - which was cut by 10-percent this year - and health care.