Columbia Senator Kurt Schaefer sponsored a bill that would give Missouri universities more money for construction projects.
But an amendment brought debate to a halt. Senator Chuck Purgason sabotaged the bill by proposing an amendment that would double the bond bringing the total to 2 billion dollars -- a move made while Purgason put his pinkie to his lips imitating Dr. Evil from the movie Austin Powers.
Schaefer said the bill will help restore universities and create jobs.
Actuality: SCHAEFER.WAV |
Run Time: 00:10 |
Description: "It is not for any government expansion. None of this money is used to hire new employees. None of this money is to expand social welfare programs. This money is all for bricks and mortar." |
The bill was laid back on the calendar, but whether it will be brought back for debate remains to be seen.
From Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.
The Senate's plan to hear a bill that would increase the amount of money given to Missouri universities was derailed by an amendment that would double the funding.
Senator Chuck Purgason said the bill cost too much money, but in an effort to sabotage the bill introduced an amendment changing the amount from 800 million to 2 billion.
Actuality: PURGUSON.WAV |
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Description: "And if the gentlemen, or the senator from Boone is correct, that this stimulates the economy, we're going need a whole lot of stimulating to crawl out of a billion and a half dollar hole. This is just an attempt to get people working to we can try to grow our state at 12 percent growth." |
Bill sponsor Kurt Schafer said the building costs will bring jobs to private construction companies.
From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.