By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri House on Thursday passed the state's $19 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July first. It now heads to the Senate.
The spending plan does not raise taxes and gives schools more money. But it also cuts Medicaid health care coverage for thousands of Missourians.
Supporters say it will return the state to solid financial footing, but opponents argued it was affecting the most vulnerable people.
The state would also eliminate hundreds of positions while closing a prison and a mental health institution (Bellefontaine Rehabilitation Center in north St. Louis County).
With Republican Governor Blunt and majority GOP legislators firmly opposed to new taxes, lawmakers were forced to make cuts.