JEFFERSON CITY - The House passed an $18.6 billion budget Wednesday that provides a bigger increase for education than the governor reccomended -- without tax increases.

The budget was passed on the same day that the Revenue Department released numbers showing that state revenue collections are up significantly.

JEFFERSON CITY - State education officials said Wednesday that increased local support through property taxes, as a result of Tuesday's statewide voting, could increase funding inequities. The problem lies in the formula itself, which rewards local funding effort with more state aid.

JEFFERSON CITY - Numbers released by the Revenue Department Wednesday show general revenue for the year is up 7.5 percent through March. When one-time federal money is excluded, general revenue is up 5.2 percent for the year.

JEFFERSON CITY - The House rejected an amendment taking money away from bond repayment and applying it to an Ethanol incentive program.

Supporters of the amendment say the 2 million supporters say it talkes only $10 million per year to repay the bonds sold for the Edward Jones Dome, but opponents say it would have been an irresponsible move.

JEFFERSON CITY - April 15 will be an especially key date for a House budget plan currently under construction. Earlier in the year, the House, Senate, and Gov. Holden agreed the state should expect about $6.4 billion in revenue, but the new House plan utilizes about $7 billion.

The difference between the two won't be known until the mid-April deadline, said State Budget Director Linda Luebbering. She did not rule out the Republican figures outright, saying there was not enough information at this point.

JEFFERSON CITY - Jason Crowell spoke in favor of a bill for a higher education budget. He says not only did the UM sytem's budget rise since 2000, but they made their students pay for a larger chunk of that budget.

JEFFERSON CITY - Republicans and Democrats engaged in raucous debate over the 2005 budget. The debate centered around appropriations for education.

JEFFERSON CITY - An act modifying safety standards for child car seats and bicycles makes seatbelt violations a primary offence. You could be pulled over simply for not wearing a seat belt, as long as the officer sees you.

JEFFERSON CITY - With over one hundred school districts asking their residents to approve increased taxation Tuesday, the public school funding debate could be significantly altered. In Tuesday's vote various tax increases are being subjected to widespread public approval -- or disapproval.

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Bob Holden proposed a constitutional amendment today for what he says will protect health insurance for thousands of Missouri children.

But some Republican lawmakers say the governor's move ignores bigger budget issues and may be a way to bolster support for his campaign.

JEFFERSON CITY - The House Budget Committee passed a budget Monday totaling almost $18.5 million. The budget contains few substantial funding changes for state departments.

The full House is expected to take up the budget on Tuesday or Wednesday.