Nixon promises increases in funding for education but fails to give numbers.
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Nixon promises increases in funding for education but fails to give numbers.

Date: October 21, 2013
By: Jessica Mensch
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Missouri's public defender system warned about the possibility of furloughs due to lack of budget, but Nixon says they aren't alone.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Nixon says the public defender system's threats of furloughs are not a priority.

Actuality:  NIXON2.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "They weren't picked out any different than anybody else and they won't be treated differently as we move forward. As revenues become available we'll look at releasing restrictions as the dollars become available."

Nixon withheld 1.4 million dollars from the public defender system, which provides representation for defendants who can't afford lawyers.

Thus restricting their budget a full percent more than than usual.

However, Nixon says many departments are in similar situations so focus on the public defender system will not increase.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jessica Mensch.

Intro: 
Missouri's Governor promises increased funding for education, but doesn't say how much.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Nixon met with higher education leaders from around Missouri to discuss funding for the coming fiscal year.

While Nixon says he doesn't have any concrete numbers for the education budget, he insists that funding will increase substantially.

Actuality:  NIXON1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "Understanding that in a historical context, that the challenges facing higher education are significant we've got to continue to up our game."

Nixon says he plans to focus on keeping tuition down, increasing scholarships for those in need, and encouraging students to study fields in high-demand.

Despite repeated questions, Nixon declined to specify any dollar figures.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jessica Mensch.