Budget timing irks House Democrats
The budget bills will move to the Senate with about three weeks until deadline.
Published April 19, 2005
The Missouri House of Representatives passed the $19 billion state budget Thursday, but the way in which some legislators crafted the budget upset some Democrats.
Rep. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence, said budget hearings, which were held night and day for nearly a week, were intense.
"You better know what questions to ask and who to (ask them to) really quickly," Shoemyer said. "I'm thankful I wasn't a freshman legislator sitting on that committee."
Shoemyer said the 12-hour time limit the House Rules Committee placed on debate was too restrictive.
"We spent 12 hours on $19 billion budget in the House," Shoemyer said. "In years past, this has been a long, drawn-out process."
Shoemyer said the House would usually spend roughly two weeks debating the budget.
He also said the lack of allowances for substitute amendments during debate upset him.
Shoemyer blamed the late start of budget talks for the procedural problems.
"I would want it started much sooner," Shoemyer said. "People need to have the ability to view the bills. With something that has $19 billion in it, we should make sure there's not something we forgot to ask."
Shoemyer said he was happy with the leadership of Budget Committee Chairman Brad Lager, R-Maryville.
"I was satisfied with the inclusion that the budget chair offered," Shoemyer said. "I told him he acted with integrity."
Budget bills were introduced on March 30, and the General Assembly has a deadline of May 6 to pass the budget.