By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Republican lawmakers say they can balance
this year's Missouri budget without cutting money for public schools or state colleges.
The Republicans outlined their plan to Democratic Governor Holden this afternoon. He has warned that $360 million in cuts could be necessary for education if lawmakers don't approve his balancing plan.
Holden wants the Legislature to authorize a bond sale against the state's tobacco settlement. He wants to use almost all of the bonds to cover this year's short-fall.
Republicans say they'll agree to the bond sale. But they want to use just $100 million this year and save the rest for
later.
They say the short-fall can be further cut by eliminating department expenses for things such as equipment and travel.