Senator Brian Munzlinger Applauds Decision to Add Education Funding

Jefferson City — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, voted with the majority, as Missouri senators pass supplemental budget bills for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2011 will conclude on June 30, 2011. In approving the bills (House Bills 14 and 15), additional money will be provided to Missouri schools.

“The past couple of years have been difficult for the state budget, and this year is no different,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Fortunately, we in the Legislature have continued to live up to our commitment to put education first. We are doing so without raising taxes and without cutting critical services.”

With the funding, through House Bill 15, education funding will continue at present levels. A change to the foundation funding formula in 2005 requires the state to spend at least 25 percent of its annual budget on education.

“We are about to start debating the budget for the next fiscal year,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “State revenues are up a little, but we are still short of where we were just a few years ago. Our laws require us to submit a balanced budget, and we will, while continuing our commitment to education.”