By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – 
Missouri Governor Bob Holden chastised Republican lawmakers Wednesday during his annual State of the State address for cutting education funding last year.
Holden proposed a budget of about $19 billion, which relies on higher taxes on tobacco products, casinos and the wealthy.
He's also calling for the elimination of so-called corporate tax loopholes, and repeatedly blasted the GOP for placing the state school system in jeopardy.
"I will not rest until we have restored the funding you cut from schools in this state," Holden said.
After the speech, House Speaker Catherine Hanaway (R-Warson Woods) said Holden did not offer acceptable solutions to Missouri's budget problems.
"The governor was reporting on the state of the state," Hanaway said. "He highlighted the problem, pointed the finger of blame, and offered no solutions."
Hanaway said last year the governor withheld education money the legislature had appropriated.
To hear a report from KWMU's Tom Weber, click on the 'listen' icon above.