By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The Missouri House Budget Chairman has been ousted one day after warning of impending budget shortfalls.
House Speaker Rod Jetton removed Representative Brad Lager from the chairman position Thursday. In a statement the Republican leader said Lager had different priorities and was moving in a different direction.
Just yesterday Lager called for a spending freeze on state programs and hiring. The Maryville Republican said spending on mandatory programs such as public education, bonds and Medicaid was likely to overtake revenues by more than 200 million dollars.
Lager said in a statement that he disagreed with Jetton's decision to remove him adding he was not willing to compromise his principles to maintain the chairmanship.
The House Speaker has named Representative Allen Icet to replace Lager. Icet was previously the vice chairman of the committee.