KBIA Local
(2009-03-26)
JEFFERSON CITY, MO
(KBIA) -
The Missouri House has given first-round approval to the state budget for next year. The amended spending plan restores funding for Meals on Wheels, which provides food to the elderly.
But it does not include a proposal by Governor Jay Nixon to expand health care to tens of thousands of low-income parents and children.
During debate, Republican House Member Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph compared so-called big government health care to slavery.
"Now what's the role of government, Mr. Speaker? Is it to enslave the taxpayers and make us work for the benefit of someone else who could work?"
Schaaf's analysis offended African-American Caucus member Kiki Curls of Kansas City. She questioned the GOP leaders' priorities during floor debate:
"We still have an insatiable thirst to spend, we just do not want to spend it on the poor. We have for-profit companies that are operating in our state buildings for free, rent free and lease free, in these tough economic times."
More debate and a final House vote are scheduled for later today. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
