Blog

Nixon attempts to hide use of state plane

June 3, 2009

Missourians are losing their jobs and the state is relying on a federal bailout to continue operating, but Gov. Nixon is living the high life on the public dime—flying to sporting events and touring across the state courtesy of taxpayers while attempting to hide his extravagant lifestyle. According to the Associated Press, none of these trips were paid for by funds budgeted to Nixon’s office for travel expenses. Instead, he is billing other state departments for his junkets. Nixon must think he is above the appropriations process. State departments clearly did not anticipate or budget for Nixon’s personal transportation needs (wants?), and now he is distracting them from their mission and usurping resources meant to benefit Missourians. If Nixon wanted more money to fly around the state, he should have asked the legislature for it.

State resources are limited and families are tightening their belts, but Nixon doesn’t feel compelled to cut back on his expenses. Instead, he is simply taking taxpayer resources that have been appropriated to other state departments and using them for his wishes. All of this adds another layer of secrecy to the Governor’s office—hindering efforts to determine how he is spending taxpayer money in the midst of one of the worst recessions this nation has ever seen.