Missouri Governor Mike Parson has vetoed $1 billion in spending from next fiscal year’s budget, including cuts to education, transportation projects, and state Capitol renovations. This represents almost double the amount he cut last year, with a total of 173 items being struck from the budget. Parson cited unnecessary pet projects and protection of taxpayer funds as the reasons for the vetoes.
The governor’s office listed factors such as increased costs from an omnibus education bill, overspending by the legislature, and over-appropriation from Budget Stabilization Funds as reasons for the cuts. Parson specifically targeted funding for education, transportation, and border security, reducing allocations for various programs and projects.
One of the largest cuts was $497 million for the State Capitol Commission Fund, used for preserving and restoring the Missouri State Capitol. Parson emphasized the need for a detailed plan before transferring such a large sum of money.
Additionally, more than a fifth of all vetoes were related to projects funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Parson criticized the rushed and opaque process during the legislative session and expressed his belief that a large supplemental budget bill will be necessary in the next administration.
The governor’s actions have sparked debates and concerns among lawmakers and constituents about the impact of these significant budget cuts on essential services and infrastructure projects in the state. Ultimately, Parson’s decision to veto billions in spending is expected to have wide-ranging effects on Missouri’s economy and public services in the upcoming fiscal year.
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