Mo. House approves constitutional amendment limiting state budget

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The House approves a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit by how much the state budgets can increase.

State spending wouldn't be allowed to increase by more than the growth rates for inflation and population. But unlike a similar cap that has been suspended in Colorado, the Missouri version wouldn't require less money be spent from one year to the next.

House Budget Chairman Allen Icet, of Wildwood, says the spending limits are needed to force lawmakers to not overspend.

But critics say it would needlessly tie the hands of future lawmakers and wouldn't solve any current problems.

The proposed amendment now goes to the Senate, and if approved, would be placed on the ballot.