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Lawmakers stepping over Governor Blunt's proposed budget and deciding cuts

The state legislature is taking control and taking their time to introducing this year's budget bills. Megan Clarke explains.

In January, Governor Blunt suggested legislators pass his budget proposal and allow state agencies to decide the 240 million in cuts.

But legislators are taking the cuts into their own hands. Budget Committee Chairman Brad Lager says there has been some discussion about Governor Blunt's proposed budget, but the House and Senate are working together to decide specifically where cuts should be made.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, WE HAVE DEPARTMENT HEADS WHO ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH US. WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP US MAKE REASONABLE, RATIONAL REDUCTIONS THAT DON'T HURT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

Lager says this detailed process is the reason for the delay.

Last year the budget bills were introduced in February.

The State budget process is taking longer than expected. Megan Clarke explains why legislators are delaying the introduction of the budget.

Last year, the budget bills were introduced by mid-February.

This year, legislators are taking a different approach to the budget process.

Instead of allowing state agencies to decide the 240 million in cuts, as Governor Blunt proposed, legislators are making the decisions themselves.

House Budget Committee Chairman Brad Lager says this process hopes to save damaging cuts to programs and services like Medicaid.

WE KNEW THIS YEAR WAS GOING TO BE A UNIQUE YEAR BECAUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LITERALLY DECADES WE HAVE TAKEN A VERY STRONG COMMITMENT WITH LIVING WITHIN OUR FINANCIAL MEANS.

The House Budget Committee meets on Monday to discuss the introduced budget legislation.

Lawmakers are taking longer than expected in drafting this year's budget legislation. Megan Clarke explains.

Legislators are taking a different path this year. Instead of accepting Governor's Blunt proposed $240 million in cuts for face value, legislators have their own suggestions.

House Budget Committee Chair Brad Lager says the House and Senate have been working with state agencies to find reductions and alternative funding sources.

This avenue has taken longer than in years past.

Democrat Representative Ed Wildberger serves on the Budget Committee and says the budget delay is mystery.

I WAS QUITE SURPRISED THAT WE DIDN'T GET THE BILLS PRIOR TO EASTER BREAK AND WHEN I CAME BACK FROM BREAK I WAS SURE WE WOULD HAVE THEM.

The House Budget Committee will meet Monday to discuss the introduced budget bills.