“At some point, how long are we going to kick them?” added Sen. Shalonn "Kiki" Curls, D-Kansas City. “I think we need to move forward.”

In the end, they agreed on a $1 million reduction, which could become a point of contention in future negotiations over fiscal matters with the House.

Spending at the University of Missouri and rising prescription drug costs are among the thorniest issues facing the Legislature as it works to get the budget in place by May 6.

State revenues are expected to grow by an estimated 4.1 percent in the fiscal year beginning July 1. That amounts to about $370 million in new revenue.

But, social service spending will rise by an estimated $395 million, eating up growth in other spending, such as education or prisons.

“It’s not sustainable. It’s not reasonable,” said Schaefer, pointing to a 59 percent increase in the cost of drugs for people in the Missouri HealthNet program.

Expensive “specialty drugs” designed to treat specific illnesses have driven some of the increase, but the cost of generic drugs also has risen.