JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –  Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has drafted a more modest budget proposal than in years past, in part, citing a change to the state’s Constitution that prevents him from relying revenue that would only be realized by the legislature passing legislation.

On Wednesday, State Budget Director Linda Luebbering said Nixon’s proposal will rely solely on the legislature’s consensus revenue estimate, not on savings he believes could be realized by the legislature expanding Medicaid, passing tax amnesty for late payers, and reforming administrative functions which, combined, he thinks could result in $178 million for the state.

“If it is something that would require a legislative change it cannot be included in the budget itself,” she said.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2016 budget, which begins in June, is actually smaller than last year’s, Luebbering said, in part because of that, and due to slower state income.

“Fiscal Year 2015 fell so much. Even though we’re going to grow,” she said. “The fact that we’re so heavily appropriated this year damages your ability to add to the next year’s budget.”

Nixon’s budget will add $71 million to K-12 education, but he is also calling for another $79 million contingent on the Legislature expanding revenues.

“If the legislature says no to reforming and expanding Medicaid, that means fewer resources for education,” Luebbering said.

The budget would continue on Nixon’s tradition of cutting positions in state government. With the elimination of more than 210 positions that Luebbering said had not yet been filled at the Department of Social Services, Nixon’s 2016 budget would amount to the reduction in 5,009 jobs since Nixon took office in 2009.