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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Concerns about the economy are causing Missouri lawmakers to look for ways to trim Governor Matt Blunt's spending proposals.

Blunt has proposed a nearly $23 billion budget for next fiscal year, which would leave about $50 million not spent.

But House and Senate budget writings are looking to trim about $200 million from Blunt's budget proposals.

House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet wants to save most of that additional money in case the sluggish economy causes state revenues to come in below expectations.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Gary Nodler would prefer to take the money cut from the core budget and instead spend it on one-time items like building repairs and construction. He says that could better help stimulate the economy.

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