Speaker Richard Says Spend The Money

I have had a few conversations with Speaker Richard regarding the $209 million in Federal funding promoted by politicians in DC as a way to save police and fire jobs. As a follow up, this is from today's Joplin Globe:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri House Speaker Ron Richard says the state should spend - not save - a $200 million influx from the federal government.

The Republican speaker said Monday he wants to highlight the Legislature's role in spending decisions by overriding Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a bill creating a special fund for the money.

Richard believes the House hasn't been included in discussions about using the money.

At issue is $209 million Missouri expects to get in enhanced Medicaid payments in 2011. The payments are an extension of the federal stimulus act.

Nixon plans to save the money for the 2012 budget. Richard said the money should be spent during the current budget year - perhaps to prop up Medicaid payments to doctors.