Gov. Greitens presents budget proposal

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens presented his $27.6 billion budget proposal Thursday, at a school in Nixa, Missouri.

The proposal includes a slight increase in funding for public K-12 schools while continuing recent cuts to higher education institutions.

His plan would provide $3.3 billion of basic aid to public elementary and secondary schools, an increase of about $3 million but still short of what’s called for under state law.

Public colleges and universities would get less than they were originally budgeted to receive this year, essentially continuing at least part of the mid-year spending cuts Greitens has made since taking office in January. Greitens says those schools can tighten their belts and find ways to deal with less money.

The budget recommends no pay raises for state workers.

Greitens says tax credits and high costs for health care have caused state budget problems and blames increasing demands for health care on the federal law enacted under President Barack Obama.

The complete budget plan is available here.