New Nixon's Challenge: Stokes vs. Blouin

SHOW ME YOUR BUDGET

In the latest installment of our running series, NIXON'S CHALLENGE, policy wonks from the conservative leaning Show-Me Institute and the more liberal leaning Missouri Budget Project face-off on challenges and priorities.

David Stokes of Show-Me: "Realistically, a general reduction in the size and inefficiencies of state government (and, consequently, the number of government employees) is probably the only way to focus the upcoming budget challenges toward our most pressing needs."

Also adds: "A tax increase for transportation funding is worthy of consideration, but any full answer to the question should include the possibility of tolling and public-private partnerships."

Amy Blouin of Mo. Budget: "The worst policy choice Missouri could make at this fragile time would be to decrease investment in the array of services the state provides including transportation, health care and education. . . Don't be tenuous in this time of need. Missouri faces serious problems, and needs leadership that will be bold."

READ THE FULL ENTRIES AND ALL OF THE INSTALLMENTS TO DATE HERE