The unenviable task of withholding state budget allocations again has been completed by Gov. Jay Nixon.
The exercise creates disappointment - and, sometimes, criticism - from supporters of programs that face uncertainly. Senate Republican leaders already are considering a possible override of the withholdings, which voters in 2014 empowered lawmakers to attempt.
A withholding is not a cut; the money is restored if state revenues increase to cover budgeted expenditures. But Missouri, unlike the federal government, constitutionally is required to balance its budget, and that challenge is a responsibility of the chief executive.
According to state officials, although individual income taxes and sales taxes are strong, corporate income tax dropped 35 percent, resulting in an overall revenue growth of 0.9 percent, below projected growth of 2.8 percent.
Although Nixon announced the withholding of $115.5 million for 131 state programs, we applaud his decision to preserve funding for education and for a 2 percent, across-the-board pay raise for state employees.
The state's work force has been cut in recent in recent years, and the remaining workers are doing more at salaries that have been measured as lowest among the 50 states.
Among our greatest disappointments is the withholding of funding for children's services, particularly $408,000 for added Children's Division field staff to pursue child-on-child sexual abuse cases.
In response to thousands of calls received each year, lawmakers last year approved legislation allowing the state to investigate those allegations. The withholding essentially means the initiative will be diluted for lack of manpower.
We also are saddened by the withholding of $700,000 for foster care and adoption services, including $400,000 for the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association. The association planned a recruitment program, beginning in September, to find adoptive homes for children, primarily age 12 or older, with behavioral, mental and/or physical health issues.
The need for such initiatives is evident from state statistics that show 13,451 children, a historic high, in the foster care system in June.
The process of budgeting, projecting and withholding shows an extensive, complex series of interrelationships that ultimately can link protecting children to corporate income.
In the final analysis, prosperity and growth are required to address needs and restore balance.