JEFFERSON CITY - With the dust settling after a two-day marathon debate over the House budget, the decision date for where Missouri resources will be focused is fast approaching.
House Republicans are calling for an additional $100 million in general revenue for elementary and secondary education, while at the same time seeking to reduce the state's Medicaid rolls. Many House Democrats, on the other hand, want to see more money for social services, and call the cuts to such programs "cruel."
Observers say the House budget debate, marked by outbursts and insults by those on both sides of the aisle, reveals the deep ideological divide among many legislators over what the role of government should be in people's lives.
"It's really a philosophical difference over what government is supposed to do," said Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho. "I think the role of government is to provide things like public education and public safety, while they (Democrats) think government is there to make it easier for everyone through social programs."
This distinction was on full display during the budget process, as House Republicans pushed for more education funding as their "top priority."
"We've taken the position that first and foremost it's our duty to fund education at the state level," said Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City.
Many House Democrats, on the other hand, are seeking more for social services. Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-St. Louis, said with public education already receiving the lion's share of state dollars -- and set to receive even more because of new tax levies -- it was "irresponsible" to cut back on services such as Medicaid.
But with the release of new revenue numbers on Wednesday showing robust growth in the state's collections, observers say the debate may be shifting -- from whether there is enough money, to who should get it.
Early in the budget debate, House Democrats made a point of saying the Republicans had not based their budget on "real numbers." Rep. Vicki Walker, D-Jackson County, said her Republican counterparts were "floating around fantasy island," and congratulated them for "winning the spin contest."
The Republican-backed budget calls for, among other things, a $100 million increase for elementary and secondary education, a 2 percent across-the-board raise for state employees, and $270,000 in restored HIV medication and SIDS program funding. All without any tax increases.
Democrats originally scoffed at the proposal. But if the Department of Revenue's collection estimates hold, even the Gov. Bob Holden's own budget director, Linda Leubbering, said the plan could be workable.
With more money possibly available, observers say the question then becomes where to spend it -- and Democrats, along with some Republican Senators, are questioning the House's priorities.
"We've been able to find something for everything and everyone except the poor," Rep. Terry Swinger, D-Caruthersville, told his colleagues. "I think it's our job to take care of those who can't take care of themselves."
The approved House budget will now be sent to the Senate, where it is expected to encounter resistance from both parties over proposed reductions in social services. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman John Russell, R-Lebanon, has said his committee is unlikely to accept the House's Medicaid cuts.
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said if there is an extra $100 million to be spent, the Senate "wants to put that in social services rather than education."
Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, also said he was "quite sure they (the Senate) will want to spend less on education." If that happens, the House and Senate will have to reconcile their budgets in a conference committee.
The House "will not recede from its position" on education spending, Stevenson said. "I'm sure we'll have lots of discussions (with the Senate)."
The House budget calls for a 10 percent increase for the Department of Social Services over the current year, and includes cuts in Medicaid. Gov. Holden has expressed his desire for a 15 percent increase for social services -- amounting to an additional $60 million.
The disparity is also evident for Department of Health and Senior Services, where Republicans want to slightly reduce the allocation over this year, while Holden has recommended a 13 percent increase -- a difference of $12 million.
Wilson said he believes the social welfare system has grown beyond its means.
"There is so much spent on trying to help everyone, there's not enough money for those really in need," Wilson said.