Reserves for Storm Costs?

The Missouri House’s Budget Committee chairman last week proposed that the state dip into its reserves to pay for recovery efforts from recent weather-related disasters, according to published reports.

Republican Rep. Ryan Silvey said he would push for the use of reserves during a special legislative session coming up in September on cuts to state tax credits, airport trade hub incentives, and other development issues.

The Missouri Constitution allows the state to use half of its reserve fund for disasters, though it must be repaid in three years. The state has about $500 million in reserves.

Gov. Jay Nixon has so far committed to using $150 million of state money for recovery efforts tied to the May 22 tornado that devastated the city of Joplin and flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Nixon has said he would cut spending to cover the costs if needed and has no plans to dip into reserves.

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Missouri
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