State to resume mailing of tax refund checks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- After delays blamed on a lack of money, the state this week will resume sending out income tax refunds to taxpayers, state budget director Brian Long said Tuesday night.

Refunds checks were delayed for about half a million taxpayers because of a budget crunch caused by lower-than-expected state income tax collections. The state still owes $167 million in refunds to taxpayers.

"The ones they've been holding the longest will be the first ones out," Long said.

He said others would be sent on a week-to-week basis as long as the money to cover them is available. The state must place other payment obligations first, including its payroll and monthly aid to elementary and secondary schools.

"You've got to make sure you've got money in your check book before you write those checks," Long said.