Missouri’s Spending Plan Discussed By Legislature

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Private negotiations over Missouri's proposed $26 billion spending plan for next fiscal year are raising questions about transparency in lawmakers' decisions. The Legislature on Thursday passed next year's budget after a compromise was reached during closed-doors talks with a few key negotiators. Lawmakers and political scientists say the practice is common in Missouri and statehouses across the country. Democrats say the process lacks transparency and is irresponsible.