On Thursday the house approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit how much the state budget can increase It appears this is a reaction to the state budget's increase of $1.5 billion in the last year.

It currently sits at around $22.5 billion. Permissable spending increases would be tied to population and growth rates for inflation. Unlike a proposed cap in Colorado, there is no requirement that less money be spent from one year to the next.

In addition, any revenue taken in by the state that exceeds the budget would move to the budget's reserve fund. The bill's sponsor believes it's important to protect taxpayer dollars.

"This HJR gives us the tools to do what we need to do for the tax payers but to protect the tax payers should state government run amuck, as it has within the past decade," said Rep. Allen Icet (R-Wildwood).

Some Democrats are concerend that changing amendments is a new fad.

"We're changing the constitution with these constitutional amendments more than most people change their underwear," said Rep. Tom Villa (D-St. Louis).

The proposed amendment now goes to the Senate and if approved, would be placed on the ballot for Missouri voters to decide.