JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri lawmakers are returning to the state Capitol for an annual session that will contain some weighty financial matters.
Lawmakers will need to figure out how to close a budget gap estimated at a half-billion dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. They will be considering changes to the state's multi-billion-dollar school funding formula. And they'll be looking for ways to revive a financially troubled state fund that pays claims to workers with pre-existing ailments who suffer additional injuries on the job.
The session opens Wednesday afternoon and is scheduled to run through May 18.
Lawmakers will have about two weeks of work before Gov. Jay Nixon presents his budget proposal in conjunction with the annual State of the State address on Jan. 17.
