JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – This week, Governor Eric Greitens kicked off the week by releasing his recommendations for the $28.75 billion state budget, targeting more cuts to higher education.
The Governor held a press conference, where members of the media pressed him more for answers concerning the allegations of blackmail than the budget itself.
Governor’s budget proposes hits to higher education, as well as loan to pay tax refunds quicker
The Governor addressed the recent news with interviews to certain media outlets, denying the allegations of blackmail. Click here to read the Associated Press story from their exclusive interview.
The next day, the Governor posted the following statement regarding the budget recommendations:
On Wednesday, Greitens spent some time in Kansas City meeting with business leaders and members of law enforcement.
Great discussions with business leaders in Kansas City today about how we can create and attract more jobs. Missouri is open for business! pic.twitter.com/p762FbOIDp
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) January 24, 2018
On Thursday afternoon, the Governor sat down for a Facebook Live with citizens to discuss the budget.
However, that occurred after several lawmakers made it clear that certain parts of the budget would be changed, with House Budget Chairman Scott Fitzpatrick shutting down conversations about a tax anticipation loan.
Fitzpatrick shoots down Greitens’ budget proposal for tax anticipation loans
Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard confirmed that they also would not be doing that.
Meanwhile, on the Senate floor, a few senators discussed the process of impeachment, though the House has the sole power for such action.
The Governor on Thursday also announced that he would be touring the state to promote tax cuts.
Here is a list of stops:
Monday, January 29, 2018
Macon – 10:00 am
Economy Products
202 Pine Crest Dr.
Macon, MO 63552
Palmyra – 1:30 pm
Doyle Manufacturing
2799 US-24
Palmyra, MO 63461
Jackson – 4:00 pm
Signature Packaging
1302 Lenco Avenue
Jackson, MO 63755
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Springfield – 10:00 am
Arrowhead Building Supply
3020 N Martin Ave
Springfield, MO 65803
Joplin – 2:00 pm
Lozier
1625 S Schifferdecker Ave
Joplin, MO 64801
Kansas City – 4:30 pm
U.S. Farathane
4600 NW 41st St.
Riverside, MO 64150
The Governor on Friday also issued the following tweet:
Missouri companies are growing again! 300 new jobs announced today in Audrain County, St. Louis, Birmingham and Kansas City. Tax reform will help us win even more jobs and help more Missouri businesses grow.
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) January 26, 2018
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.