Lawmakers’ discussion of Medicaid could carry into legislative break
The discussion of the future of Medicaid in Missouri has likely not ended with the close of the legislative session. The General Assembly has approved legislation that would create at House-Senate Committee to study Medicaid reform in the interim. The idea was proposed in the House by Representative Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City), who told his fellows, "It's now my hope that we can form a joint interim committee to work together with leaders on this issue from the Missouri Senate. I think that … [Read More...]
Legislature passes bills meant to fill in budget gaps for children, blind
The legislature and the Governor blame one another for a situation that left the state budget in need of additional legislative action to balance it. On Friday the legislature passed two bills meant to be the final step. Each of those bills includes a provision to create the Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund. That fund would receive $55.1 million from General Revenue, which is coming in to the state coffers ahead of projections, and use it to support four programs. Those are First … [Read More...]
Gov. Nixon praises legislature for work on budget, mental services, education; says it ‘fell flat’ on Medicaid expansion, tax credit reform (AUDIO / VIDEO)
Gov. Jay Nixon says the Missouri Legislature made significant progress in some key areas, such as expanding access to mental health services, funding higher education on a performance outcomes-based model, and creating business incentives to bolster the economy. He says the legislature worked in the final week of session to fund First Steps, so children with special needs can access early intervention, and Missouri Works to provide job resources. Nixon also praised the legislature for its … [Read More...]
Economic Development bill major failure on last day (AUDIO)
A second major casualty of a filibuster on the last day of the legislative session is an economic development bill. Senator Eric Schmitt of Kirkwood had hoped to gain passage of a series of issues he says are at a 'critical point" The bill included new caps on two of the state's biggest tax credits programs--historic preservation and low income housing. Schmitt had argued the legislature needed to act after years of just talking. "Dear Lord! Every year somebody is waiting for this … [Read More...]
Stealing from a police surveillance vehicle not a smart idea
This from today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch: A St. Louis man is accused of trying to steal the starter out of a police anti-riot vehicle. The armored vehicle -- called "The Raptor" -- is equipped with surveillance cameras and displays big white lettering that reads "We are watching you." Clearly having missed the obvious warning, 26-year-old Jerome Rankins has been arrested and charged with tampering. He was picked up by police after he was picked up on film by the truck's video cameras. … [Read More...]
Legislature
Legislature passes bills meant to fill in budget gaps for children, blind
The legislature and the Governor blame one another for a situation that left the state budget in need of additional legislative action to balance it. On Friday the legislature passed two bills meant to be the final step. Each of those bills includes a provision to create the Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund. That fund [...]
