By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A Missouri Senate committee today chose
cuts to programs over personnel, as the panel endorsed a revised budget plan for education and human services.
The Senate Appropriations Committee scrapped a House-passed budget proposal. It would have cut 538 state employee positions, to avoid cuts to the health and social programs they oversee.
Instead of laying off the employees, the Senate endorsed a budget plan that cuts funding for some mental health and social
services.
But the latest twist in Missouri's budget battle may be primarily procedural. The full Senate is expected to vote tomorrow
on the committee plan Wednesday.
By passing a plan markedly different than the House version, senators will have more room to negotiate a final version with
House conferees.