By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri Governor Bob Holden has released the remaining $43 million he withheld from state agencies because of budget concerns.
Holden acknowledged strong growth in state tax revenues while making the announcement Friday.
When the fiscal year began last July, Holden withheld more than $250 million that had been appropriated by lawmakers. He feared the budget was unbalanced.
Holden released $83 million in December for public schools, and another $127 million earlier this month for school districts and higher education.
The amount released Friday will be spread among 13 state agencies.
Republican House members had insisted from the beginning that their budget was balanced and that Holden didn't need to withhold the money.