By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Supreme Court has upheld
nearly $21 million in budget cuts to nursing homes made by Governor Bob Holden.
Today's unanimous decision says Holden was using his constitutional authority when he withheld grants from nursing homes
in May.
The constitution allows governors to withhold state money when revenues fall below projections.
A lawsuit by nursing homes -- so their money should not have been cut.
The Supreme Court said the nursing home grants were part of the state's overall general revenues, which were falling short. Thus the cuts were justified.
The ruling affirms a budget-cutting process used by governors for years.