By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor-elect Jay Nixon met today with State House and Senate leaders from both parties, in preparation for the 2009 legislative session.
Nixon says the meeting focused on building a bipartisan relationship in order to best serve the state's citizens.
"The key to any relationship is making sure you have good communication, making sure you have respectful communication, and I think (today's meeting) laid the groundwork for the beginnings of what's (going to) pay off for the taxpayers of the state of Missouri," Nixon said.
Despite the shaky economy, Nixon and GOP leaders say the state would have a balanced budget.
House Speaker-designate Ron Richard (R, Joplin) suggests that Missouri's budget situation can be described as an emergency.
Nixon stopped short of agreeing, but said they would have a clearer picture when new revenue estimates are released in the coming weeks.