House committee discussed Nixon's budget for Fulton State Hospital repairs

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Intro:	State representatives questioned whether Governor Nixon's plan to fund state hospital repairs is the best way to go.
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Wrap: Members of the House Budget Committee questioned the viability of the governor's budget to build a new Fulton State Hospital.

Governor Nixon is proposing supplemental bonds which are funded by taxpayer dollars.

St. Louis County Republican Representative Marsha Haefner says supplemental bonds are meant for emergency or unforseen expenses.

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Description: "Long-time investments shouldn't be made with short-term cash."

Columbia Democratic Representative Caleb Rowden asked Administration Commissioner Doug Nelson whether Nixon would consider alternative methods for funding construction.

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Description: "Whether you come back with something else, would that be considered, I'm sure it would be. Whether he would act on it, I can't speak to that."

The committee took no immediate action on the proposal.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	State representatives are skeptical of Governor Nixon's plan to fund repairs at Fulton State Hospital.
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Wrap: Members of the House Budget committee are criticizing the governor's plan for funding Fulton State Hospital repairs.

The governor is proposing supplemental bonds because they are backed by appropriations out of the state's general revenue fund.

Columbia Democratic Representative Chris Kelly says Missouri's economy could be in jeapordy if the state can't pay up in time.

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Description: "If the state defaulted on a debt like this, the credit rating in the state of Missouri would drop like a rock."

Budget Director Linda Luebbering says supplemental bonds are commitments and assurances to bond owners.

She says setting aside funds now ensures enough will be left to build a new facility.

The committee took no immediate action on this budget.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.