State reduces mileage reimbursement for more savings

The state of Missouri is looking to save some money to pay for an upcoming state holiday, and administrators are reducing reimbursement for drivers to find the funds.

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate nonfederal holidays from the state calendar, in an effort to save money. The state spends about $1.5 million per holiday for overtime expenses in its 24-hour facilities, according to a news release from the Missouri Office of Administration.

But the proposed law change will not take effect before Truman's Day, scheduled for May 7. To pay for the day off, the state is reducing reimbursements for drivers to 37 cents per mile, down from 42 cents. The Office of Administration estimates the move will offset the cost of closing state offices to celebrate Harry Truman's birthday.

The move is the latest in a series of recently announced spending restrictions to cover revenue shortfalls.

State officials announced in late April that $45 million is being cut from the current budget, bringing the total spending reductions this year to more than $900 million. Among those cuts were $8 million from the Department of Transportation, $4.9 million from the Parents as Teachers program and $4 million from the Metro Transit Funding program.