Wrap: The vote was almost right down party lines.

Republicans unanimously voted to pass the bill limiting state spending --- and they were joined by a single democratic vote.

That democratic representative --- a member of the House budget committee --- Chris Kelly.

The measure would place the cap of annual spending increases at one and a half percent of the collected revenue from the previous year, which one analyst estimates could be as much as seven percent. 

That would be in addition to inflation and population changes.

The bill passed 105 to 54.

And if the Senate passes the bill, Missouri voters would see the issue on the 2012 ballot.

From the state Capitol, I'm Sherman Fabes. Newsradio 1120 --- KMOX.

Wrap: The Missouri House passed its first issue this legislative session on Thursday.

The bill places a cap of annual spending increases at one and a half percent of the collected revenue from the previous year.

That would be in addition to inflation and population changes, which one analyst estimates could be as much as seven percent.

Democratic St. Louis City representative Tishaura Jones used Twitter to voice her opinion on the bill saying...

"Final vote today on HJR43. I'm voting no because we are already required to balance the budget."

All but one of her fellow democratic representatives voted against the bill with her.

But, House Budget Committee Chairman Ryan Silvey said on his Twitter account...

"It gets old hearing false arguments from opponents of a bill because it's easier than actually reading the bill or a better soundbite."

The bill now moves to the Senate and if passed Missouri voters would see the issue on the 2012 ballot.

From the state Capitol, I'm Sherman Fabes. Newsradio 1120 --- KMOX.