Like so many other states, Missouri will begin budget cuts.

While the budget cuts will start at some of the state’s social services programs, the Tour of Missouri, a bike tour that starts Sept. 7,  will be safe. According to the Post-Dispatch the bike tour costs $1.5 million, a fraction of the $60 million in cuts that Nixon is studying.

The Post-Dispatch also reported that $475,000 will be cut from domestic violence programs and $2.25 million from Health Care centers for low income families.

The Missouri Water Patrol, for instance, faces the possibility of scaling back patrols on some of the state’s rivers and lakes. And up to 3,000 people with disabilities might lose some services at independent-living centers across the state.

…Other proposed cuts include money for job-training workshops for people with disabilities, funding for anti-smoking programs and services for pregnant women as an alternative to abortion.

While the Tour of Missouri might bring in some tourism dollars, does it deserve funding ahead of other programs? What should be the state’s first priorities as budget cuts begin? Are there other items that should be cut first? Do you think any of the items mentioned shouldn’t have been cut all all?