By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri House has formally rejected the Senate version of the state budget, setting the stage for negotiations on the final version of next year's spending plan.
Last week senators made more than $450 million in budget cuts, but also restored funding to higher education and Career Ladder, an incentive program that provides additional pay for teachers who take on extra duties.
House Budget Chair Allen Icet indicates there will be some discussions about that program, but he said there are no plans to cut it.
"So as far as the dollar amount, I don't see any negotiation or any issues with that," Icet said "It will be more about understanding why the Senate did what they did, and come to some agreement on what the best funding source is."
House and Senate conferees will also negotiate a proposal to merge the Missouri Highway Patrol and the State Water Patrol.
Lawmakers have until May 7th to pass a state budget.