Gov. Blunt signs $21.5 billion state budget

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Governor Matt Blunt makes only minor changes as he signs off on the $21.5 billion state budget.

The state's new fiscal year begins Sunday, so Blunt had to sign the budget bills this week.

In doing so, he issues just two line-item vetoes. The governor nixed nearly $156,000 to cover parking for public defenders and fixed a drafting error in the corrections budget.

Missouri's overall spending plan is about 3.3 percent higher than the current year's, roughly keeping pace with inflation.

The budget includes more money for schools, colleges and medical providers, along with raises for judges, some elected officials and state workers.