It was
only the beginning of this week that
Missouri's tourism industry was made
aware of Governor Blunt's proposal to
cut $10.4 million off the budget of the
Department of Economic Development,
which, in turn, proposed to take $4.6
million of that amount from the Division
of Tourism. As the week progressed,
speculations about the House simply
approving the Governor's recommendations
widely grew.
The
scenario has changed again Thursday
morning when House Budget Chair Brad
Lager presented Budget Committee members
with HB 7, the House budget bill that
included full funding of $18.2 million
for the Division of Tourism. The House
Budget Committee, which has yet to meet
after numerous postponements this week,
will take up the bill Monday.
While
beginning the budget considerations with
full funding is certainly better than
starting with a $4.6 million cut up
front, the current situation is not the
entire picture. The House could pass the
budget over to be balanced by the
Senate, or both chambers could pass the
budget an allow the Governor to balance
it through withholdings. Time will only
tell.
We have
already begun talking to key Senate appropriations
members making them aware of this year's
budget wranglings in the House. Tourism
has traditionally fared better in the
Senate. Once we see what version of the
budget leaves the House, we will begin
making some Senate contact assignments.
Everyone
have a great weekend.
Gary Figgins
Legislative Chair
gfiggins@showmemissouri.net
