Missouri's Budget Director says there is No List of Cuts Recommended by the Governor

Intro:	Missouri's budget director told senators Tuesday that the governor hasn't a made a list of proposed cuts to help close the state's budget gap.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee members say they haven't received any guidance from Governor Jay Nixon on where they should cut the state budget.

As far as whether or not a list of recommendations from the governor even exists, the state's Budget Director Linda Luebbering says:

Actuality:	LINDA1.WAV
Run Time:	00:13
Description: "No. We've been working with the chairman. We have both brought forward options. There have been multiple options discussed - multiple combinations of options discussed. But I don't anticipate a single list from the governor at this point in time."

Both Democrats and Republicans say they haven't received any word from Governor Jay Nixon on what parts of the budget should or need to be reduced.

From the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	A leading voice on the Senate Appropriations Committee said Tuesday that Governor Jay Nixon needs to play a more prominent role in the budget process.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Republican Senator Kurt Schaefer serves as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and offered some harsh words regarding the governor's actions during talks about cutting the budget.

Actuality:	KURT1.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: "He's the governor. He needs to step out. If his position now is 'Oh, the budget I gave you in January is now completely bogus,' then if he's gonna step up and say 'let's work together' then he needs to step up and work together."

Schaefer says he wants to know exactly what Governor Jay Nixon recommends cutting.

St. Louis Democrat Joan Bray, a member of Nixon's own party, says she hasn't seen a list of the governor's proposed cuts either.

From the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	The state's budget director contended Tuesday that the governor would rather discuss the budget with Senate leaders rather than provide a list of what he thinks needs to see the chopping block.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Instead of providing a list of budget cut demands, State Budget Director Linda Luebbering says the governor wants to talk with legislative leaders and not tell them what to do.

Actuality:	LINDA2.WAV
Run Time:	00:04
Description: "We'd prefer to work with the Senate which is really the process that's appropriate at this point in time."

But Columbia Republican Kurt Schaefer says he wants Governor Jay Nixon to be up front with his budget ideas.

Actuality:	KURT2.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "If you have proposals, let's see what they are in public just like we see what all the senators' proposals are in public or if you're sitting out then let us know you're sitting out. But don't ride the fence."

Schaefer demands a list of budget proposals which Budget Director Luebbering says does not even exist.

From the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.