Governor may veto appropriations--extent--exceptions.

26.030. The governor may veto any item or portion of anyitem of any appropriation bill or the whole thereof; except thatthe governor shall not reduce any appropriation for free publicschools or for the payment of principal and interest on thepublic debt.

(RSMo 1939 § 10905, A.L. 1945 p. 1428 § 58, A.L. 1959 H.B. 121)

See also Const. Art. IV § 26.