Lawsuit brought by Missouri Public Defender thrown out

The lawsuit filed by Missouri Public Defender Michael Barrett, which questioned the governor’s authority to balance the state budget, has been thrown out of court.

The suit followed Governor Jay Nixon withholding funds from the Public Defender budget due to a decrease in anticipated state revenues. Cole County Judge John Beetem dismissed the case today in Jefferson City.

“Today’s order once again affirms the clear authority of the governor to rein in spending and keep the budget in balance,” Gov. Nixon said. “This constitutional authority has enabled me to maintain strict fiscal discipline, protect Missouri’s spotless AAA credit rating and keep our economy moving forward.

“As a result of our fiscal discipline, the Office of Public Defender has seen a 15 percent increase in funding and a nearly five percent increase in staff during my tenure, even while other state agencies have had to tighten their belts and full-time state employment has been reduced by nearly 5,100. It is my hope that the Office of Public Defender will now return its attention to the job it has to do, and the resources already available with which to do it.”

A copy of Judge Beetem’s order can be seen here: