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Nixon Wants Money For Vets’ Homes, Blind Pensions

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is urging lawmakers to fund veterans’ homes, pensions for the blind and other specific needs in the still-unfinished state budget. 

Nixon praised the State Senate for restoring $28 million to a program that aids blind Missourians – but he chided a Senate committee for sitting on a bill that would enact a dedicated funding source for veterans’ homes.

“Missouri’s veterans’ home(s) provide critical services for thousands of men and women who have served our country with honor and bravery…let me be clear, that bill must get to my desk without delay,” said Nixon.

Nixon also urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would provide tax breaks for auto parts manufacturers. 

The governor also said he remains opposed to raising the state’s cigarette tax, but took a neutral stance on a proposed ballot initiative that would raise the cigarette tax from 17 to 90 cents a pack.

Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
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