Nixon releases nearly $6 million

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon released more than $5.5 million for scholarships, police, and other priorities at the Capitol Wednesday.

Nixon freed up the money a day after his budget office released the October revenue report, which Nixon said shows the state making solid gains.

$2 million will go to Missouri’s A+ scholarship program, while $1 million will go toward Access Missouri scholarships.

Another $1 million will be used to support high-tech startups through the Missouri Technology Corporation.

An important part of Wednesday’s release will be funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, the Missouri drug program for seniors, and public library grants for some of the state’s smaller libraries.

The Governor credited a state program he signed into law.

“It’s clear that the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act that passed with bi-partisanship support in General Assembly four years ago continues to pay huge dividends to families and communities statewide. As a result, this morning I was able to release funds for targeted number of important educational scholarships, public safety and health care priorities,” said Nixon.

The Governor did say the state was doing well enough to release the money while his budget director said things are going to need to get much better before Missouri’s budget can be fully funded. October revenues were up more than 4% compared to last year, but both Linda Luebbering and Nixon said they need to go up 11% to cover all the state’s expenses.