Missouri General Revenue Falls Again

Intro:	The near 11 percent drop in general revenue this fiscal year forecasts more budget cuts.
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Wrap: This year has seen a significant drop in general revenue compared to last year. Some say this means Missouri won't be able to stick to it's current budget.

The most recent 204 million dollar cut to the budget was based on Missouri having negative four percent growth compared to last year.

House Budget Chairman Alan Icet said it's unlikely the state will be able to recover from negative 11 to negative four percent growth.

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Description: "We all agree we hope we get back there, but as of right now, unless something significant happens to turn the situation around, I do not see how we're going to get there."

Icet said holiday season alone will not be enough revinue to reverse this trend.

From Jefferson City, I'm Allison Blood.

Intro:	Despite the steep decline in general revenue this fiscal year, some are optimistic. Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: Budget Director Linda Luebbering said she is confident Missouri can end this fiscal year at negative four percent growth.

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Description: "We're currently at negative 10.8 but we obviously expect next calendar year to look better relative to the January through June of the prior year."

The fiscal year is July through June, so we are currently in Fiscal year 2010.

Leubbering said the spring is forecasted to be better for Missourian's employment, making up for the recent lag in general revenue.

Budget Director Alan Icet said he's not sure it will be enough for Missouri revnue to match the budget, so more cuts may be necessary.

From Jefferson City, I'm Allison Blood.

Intro:	Missouri's unemployment is causing steep decline in general revenue. Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: Missouri's Budget Director Linda Luebbering said the main reason revenue is so low is due to a 26 percent decrease in corporate taxes.

The Missouri budget was originally drafted to accomidate 4 percent growth this fiscal year, the unemployment leaves the state at nearly negative 11 percent.

Luebbering said Nixon's most recent cuts pose the state to accomidate a 4 percent loss, which is more attainable, even at the current position.

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Description: "so getting from a minus ten point eight to a minus four is completely doable, but getting from a minus ten point eight to a positive four point two is just highlighly unlikely at this time."

Luebbering said she expects employment figures to increase in the 2010 calendar year.

From Jefferson City, I'm Allison Blood.