KIRKSVILLE, MO -- After the first two days of the Missouri legislative session, one of the many things that was talked about was the Show-Me-State's budget gap.
Last year it was $350 million. But according to State Representive Zach Wyatt, this year's budget will need to be cut by $500 million.
"This year they are cutting $500 million because we are losing that federal stimulus money, we got the last of that money last year." Wyatt said. "That is where the gap is coming in and we haven't had high enough revenue growth in order to fill that gap. We are still having revenue growth in Missouri. It's just not as fast as it needs to be to fill that $500 million."
With the lack of federal funds and not enough revenue being brought in, legislators are looking at several options to fill the hole.
"I think there is going to be some look at consolidating some programs that might be repeated in the state." Wyatt said. I think there is also going to be some at looking again at the legislative budget. We cut our budget last year. It's one of those 'Let's lead by example.' I think that will happen again. I think they're also going to be looking into the judiciary budget as well."
Wyatt hopes that both sides will work together this session to find a way to balance the budget.
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