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Legislators from the House and Senate come together to finalize the state budget for FY 2005

April 28, 2004
By: Rachel Schaff
State Capital Bureau

Members of the House and Senate came together in a conference committee to reconcile two different versions of the state budget.

Rachel Schaff tells about the many compromises made during the meeting.

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After hours of discussion, a committee of ten Senators and Representaives finalized the state budget for fiscal year 2005.

The legislators reached some compromises easily, but others were decided with some reservation.

After extended discussion with several Senators, Representative Bearden finally gave in on the issue of money for the first steps program.

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Contents: "Senator, do you know when to give up when you win? What I'm saying here is we go with the Senate position.

The finalized budget will now be presented to the House and Senate for approval before the governor reviews it.

From Jefferson City, I'm Rachel Schaff.

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A meeting of legislators to finalize the state budget was more passionate than might be expected.

Rachel Schaff tells how legislators who feel strongly about certain issues had some trouble compromising.

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Members of the House and Senate came together to reconcile discrepancies in their two different verions of the state budget for fiscal year 2005.

While all of the legislators made compromises, some had a harder time than others.

Representative Bryan Stevenson was not pleased with the amount of money the committee allocated to education programs.

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Contents: This has to be our number one priority and I simply need to go on record saying that I don't think it's enough. I don't think it's enough.

If approved, the budget will go into effect when fiscal year 2005 starts in July.

From the state capital, I'm Rachel Schaff.

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Members from the Senate and the House came together to work out the kinks in the state budget for fiscal year 2005.

Rachel Schaff tells about the increased money the finalized budget will allocate to higher education.

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Legislators in a conference committee decided to include the Senate's plan for higher education in the latest state budget.

The Senate's plan increases funds to the University of Missouri.

Representative Bearden says that the allocation could take some pressure off the legislature for previously cutting funding for higher education, and pushing universities into increasing tuition.

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Contents: If we are taking some heat as being part of the cause for increases, by giving more money we should be able to take what is due by any decreases or lack of increases in the future.

Legislators are curious as to whether or not the budget will affect tuition increases. Any effect remains to be seen.

From the state capital, I'm Rachel Schaff.