UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder is blaming Gov. Jay Nixon for the defeat of the Metro funding. In a conference call with reporters, Kinder alleged that Nixon worked against the bill. Kinder was joined by several African-American legislators from St. Louis. In a letter to Nixon, Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, accused him of having a “callous and cavalier attitude” toward St. Louis. In an interview this morning, Nasheed said it was time for Nixon “to step up to the plate.” She praised Kinder, saying that it was “sad to say we have a Republican fighting harder for the common people than the Democratic governor.” We’ll update with Nixon’s response shortly.

JEFFERSON CITY — In a surprise move, the Missouri House reversed course today, defeating a federal stimulus spending bill endorsed just yesterday.

Among the casualties: a new radio system for public safety officers, a new cancer center in Columbia and a $12 million boost for the troubled Metro transit system.

The vote on HB22 was 68-82. It was unclear this morning whether the bill would be reconsidered.

The defeat came after Democrats criticized the bill as containing pork-barrel projects. They said the federal money — known as budget stabilization funds — should be used to shore up crucial social services and avoid future budget shortfalls.

“When we’re looking at serious shortfalls in coming years, the Republicans are being fiscally irresponsible by not setting aside money,” said Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City.

Some Democrats also were unhappy that the bill was cobbled together quickly after Republicans decided to reserve $1 billion in stimulus funds to accommodate a state income tax cut.

“The process was shameful,” said Rep. Mike Talboy, D-Kansas City.

A tally by the AP showed that 54 Republicans and 14 Democrats voted for the bill; 50 Democrats and 32 Republicans voted against the bill. That leaves 10 Democrats and three Republicans who did not vote.