JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers would get a say in budget cuts enacted by the governor under a proposed constitutional amendment that has been approved by the state House.
The governor can control the rate at which appropriations are spent and reduce spending when Missouri’s revenues are below the estimates upon which the budget is based. The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to override those decisions with a two-thirds vote.
House members approved the measure 109-42 on Thursday, and it now goes to the Missouri Senate. If approved there, the constitutional amendment would go to a statewide vote later this year.
Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and lawmakers have been at odds in recent years over budget cuts.