JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, today released a statement calling for the immediate release of $400 million in funds withheld from the state budget by the governor in June.

“With the end of the veto session, I expect an immediate announcement from the governor restoring the funds the General Assembly invested in public education, economic development, public safety and public health. Any delay would be reckless and irresponsible, and a continued abuse of his authority.

The constitution authorizes the governor to hold back funds if the revenue coming in to the state doesn’t match the expected estimates. However, his decision to hold back $400 million, before the fiscal year even started, was not based on the merits of each line item or supported by an unexpected drop in revenue. This ill-advised decision undermined a great deal of hard work accomplished by Greene County legislators for our area.  Worthwhile programs have been unnecessarily delayed, such as initiatives by Missouri State University, Mercy and CoxHealth to train more health care professionals and improve health care for citizens in southwest Missouri. 

Investments in a skilled workforce and quality educational opportunities, along with infrastructure and economic development, are important parts of growing Missouri’s economy. My focus reflected these priorities: holding the line on education funding, advocating for sensible tax credit reform, and fighting back attempts to siphon money from public education to expand other programs.  This legislative session was a productive one for the people of Springfield and southwest Missouri. 

However, the people of the 30th District have not been well-served by the governor’s decision to withhold these funds, funds which were secured through hard work, careful planning and concerted effort by many people. In our system of government, with its checks and balances and separation of powers, this abuse of authority by the executive cannot continue unchecked.”