93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
(AP) – A top Democratic budgeter says Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s plan to borrow $350 million to repair bridges across the state is a non-starter.
Rep. Kip Kendrick on Monday told reporters that House Democrats generally oppose using un-earmarked general revenue to fund infrastructure.
Under Parson’s plan , the state would repay the loan with general revenue over 15 years.
House Democrats have limited power to block bills in Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature. But their opposition to Parson’s plan is notable because it comes as other factions of lawmakers are moving away from that proposal.
Kendrick says lawmakers should consider long-term funding sources, such as asking voters again to increase the gas tax.
Parson’s spokesman Steele Shippy says voters already shot that down. A proposed 10-cent gas tax increase failed in November.
