Missouri lawmakers discuss budget, economy
In addition to ethics reform, leaders in the Missouri General Assembly used the first day of the state’s legislative session to discuss Missouri’s budget and economy.
This discussion comes as lower than expected revenue figures for the coming year mean Gov. Jay Nixon may have to cut about $200 million more from the state budget. This in addition to another $200 million in cuts that were announced in late October.
During his first day back on the job, House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence, said these problems are going to make this session “challenging.”
In the capitol on Wednesday, job growth was seen by many as a key in restarting Missouri’s economy and alleviating budget problems.
“The solution to our budget situation is to put people back to work in good-paying jobs with benefits,” Senate President Pro Tempore Charlie Shields said in a copy of his remarks obtained by The Maneater. “Our state’s revenue is reliant on people working and participating in our economy.”
Shields, R-St. Joseph, proposed creating job growth by considering many things, including incentives for small businesses and “innovative tax structures.”
Stating job growth as a priority for Democrats, LeVota said measures need to be taken to get the state’s economy going.
“We need to do those tangible things that make sense for small businesses and the growth and expansion of new businesses in the state of Missouri," he said.
For more information about the state legislature’s first day in session check out The Maneater’s additional coverage of the discussion.
The Maneater also has a breakdown of some important student issues coming up during the next few months.