JEFFERSON CITY - With Senate Democrats walking out on debate over negotiated language for a new school foundation formula, the Senate passed the new proposal by a 24-9 vote. Freshman Sen. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, was the sole Democrat voting in favor of the bill.
Democrats at the Capitol, however, believe the tide is turning. They point to Frank Barnitz' victory last month in a special Senate race in rural south-central Missouri. Republican Sarah Steelman held the seat before she was elected state treasurer in November. Democrats interpret their pro-gun, anti-abortion rights candidate's victory as a vote against Gov. Matt Blunt's highly publicized cuts to social services. They say its a sign their party can still field candidates who rural vote..
Budget Committee Chairman Brad Lager, R-Maryville, said he believed the budget was fair, balanced and responsible while the ranking Minority member Rep. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, said cuts to social services unfairly target the lower income.
The Senate also avoided a vote on a controversial amendment that would force legislators to give up their state-funded health care plans. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, who had served in the House until this week. House Democrats proposed a similar amendment during budget debates earlier in the session.
Rep. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, said the proposed cuts to social service programs would only defray costs, ultimately costing the state more in the future.
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