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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Missouri House leaders have been talking a lot about the need to make major cuts in state spending.

They will get a chance this week to make good on that.  The House Budget Committee is to start work Monday on the proposed 2011 budget.

Gov. Jay Nixon acknowledged earlier this month that the budget he recommended to legislators in January needs to be trimmed by about $500 million. Nixon cited a downturn in state tax revenues and uncertainty over whether Congress will extend enhanced Medicaid payments to states.

Nixon has suggested some ideas for cuts, though not $500 million worth.

The House panel may not trim that much either. Republican House leaders say they want Nixon to lead the way in suggesting
line-by-line cuts.

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