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Lawmakers in the Missouri House approved their version of the state's budget, which includes funding for schools, Medicaid and transportation. As KSMU's Missy Shelton reports from Jefferson City, the budget passed largely on partisan votes.
When the budget came up for final approval, House members re-hashed much of the same issues they debated earlier in the week.
It began with Democrats criticizing the Republicans' plan to spend part of the proceeds from the MOHELA sale on debt reduction.
The MOHELA board of directors has said it will sell some assets of the quasi-governmental agency that underwrites student loans.
House Speaker Rod Jetton of Southeast Missouri defended the use of some of the money from the sale for paying down some of the state's debt.
Some democrats balked at the idea of using money from the higher education loan authority for anything not directly related to higher education.
Jeff Harris of Columbia is the House Democratic Leader though he said he wasn't speaking on behalf of his caucus on this issue.
Democrats and Republicans also clashed over spending for public schools.
Springfield Democrat Sara Lampe, a former school teacher and principal says the Republican-backed budget doesn't give enough money to schools.
Lampe voted against the education funding bill.
But another Springfield legislator, Republican Bob Dixon voted for it.
There was considerable debate over the funding increase for higher education.
Lawmakers approved the governor's recommendation to increase funding for colleges and universities by two percent.
Republican Representative Kathlyn Fares of St. Louis County says she's pleased to approve the increase after years of having to cut higher ed funding.
But the increase wasn't enough to garner support from some democrats.
Democratic Representative Judy Baker of Columbia says even with the two percent boost in funding, universities in Missouri fall far behind other states.
Democrats also opposed the Medicaid budget, saying it's not enough to ensure Missourians' health needs are met.
St Louis City Democrat Yaphett El-Amin.
But Republicans say they've offered a Medicaid funding proposal that demonstrates fiscal responsibility but also provides for the needy.
Jackson County Republican Brian Pratt.
The budget now moves to the senate.
