By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – Missouri Governor Blunt today proposed three funding increases for state initiatives.
Blunt urged lawmakers to approve an extra $1 million this year and $3.5 million next year to promote tourism.
He also called for more money to be spent on community health centers and to build a veteran's cemetery near Fort Leonard Wood.
Last fall, Blunt vetoed more than $4 million that the Legislature had appropriated for tourism promotion. The increases announced today in Branson would restore those cuts in next year's budget.
The proposal was presented by Republican House member Dennis Wood, of Kimberling City. Wood says the money will be used to encourage vacationers to visit and spend money in Missouri.