Gov. Nixon Issues Statement on Court Dismissal of Challenge to Governor's Constitutional Authority to Keep the Budget in Balance

Statement

Gov. Jay Nixon issued the following statement on the Cole County Circuit Court's dismissal of the lawsuit by the executive director of the Office of Public Defender to the constitutional authority of Missouri governors to balance budgets.

"Today's order once again affirms the clear authority of the Governor to rein in spending and keep the budget in balance," Gov. Nixon said. "This constitutional authority has enabled me to maintain strict fiscal discipline, protect Missouri's spotless AAA credit rating, and keep our economy moving forward.

"As a result of our fiscal discipline, the Office of Public Defender has seen a 15 percent increase in funding and a nearly five percent increase in staff during my tenure, even while other state agencies have had to tighten their belts and full-time state employment has been reduced by nearly 5,100. It is my hope that the Office of Public Defender will now return its attention to the job it has to do, and the resources already available with which to do it."

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