By AP/KWMU
Washington, DC – Missouri's two U.S. Senators say the state can use $398 million in federal dollars to help balance the state budget. Republicans Kit Bond and Jim Talent say the one-time federal aid is part of a tax cut plan the President Bush is about to sign.
Governor Bob Holden has called a special session for Monday to address a budget he says is $367 million out of balance.
He also objects to 354 (m) million in cuts Republican-led lawmakers propose for education, health and social services.
But Republicans show little desire to reverse the cuts or to follow Holden's tax increase request.
And Holden spokeswoman Mary Still says Bond and Talent's idea won't solve Missouri's problems.