Missouri lawmakers vote to tap rainy day fund for disaster recovery

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri House has voted to use $150 million from the state's rainy day fund for disaster relief. But the vote may be mostly symbolic.

Under the Missouri Constitution, the governor sets the agenda for special sessions. And Gov. Jay Nixon did not include the rainy day fund on his agenda.

House Budget Committee Chairman Ryan Silvey said Friday it makes sense to use the rainy day fund for disaster relief and urged Nixon to add it to the special session. Otherwise, Silvey says that tapping the reserve fund would be unconstitutional.

Nixon has pledged $150 million for disaster response and made budget cuts to help cover the expense. His office says it is premature to consider using the reserve fund.

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Disaster funding is HB6

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov