“Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.” – Ronald Reagan
The Missouri Senate passed 13 budget bills last week. All told, these measures authorize the state to spend $29.75 billion in 2020. That’s $4,850 for every man, woman and child in Missouri.
It took the Senate less than eight hours to approve its version of the state budget. In truth, the process actually began weeks ago in the House of Representatives, which holds the constitutional responsibility of drafting the state’s budget. With deference to the governor’s requests, the House presents its budget recommendations to the upper legislative body in 13 spending proposals. These bills address repayment of bonding obligations, state employee payroll and benefits and anticipated expenses for each state agency and department. The Senate Appropriations Committee reviews the House proposals, accepts some and revises others. Finally, the full Senate votes on the committee’s substitute bills. The differences between the two budgets must be sorted out by a conference committee and finally passed prior to May 10.
