February 11, 2012

Concerns expressed over calls for expanded occupational licensing requirements

A new session of the General Assemby gets underway next week and a Clayton-based free market think tank hopes the Legislature resists any and all attempts to expand occupational licensing requirements in Missouri.

Show-Me Institute A recent study by the Show-Me Institute finds the licensing of occupations could be costing consumers more for some services. Show-Me Institute policy analyst David Stokes says licensing requirements in Missouri do not reach the levels that exist in many other states, and he thinks it should be kept that way.

The study concludes many of the requirements place restrictions on those entering certain professions. The study finds many of these requirements came about as a result of lawmakers being lobbied by professionals calling for unnecessary rules and regulations in an effort to cut down on the competition.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)

Cubs pluck another Cardinal

The Chicago Cubs agree to a two-year deal with former Cardinals’ infielder Aaron Miles.  Miles, batted .317 with 15 doubles, four home runs, 31 RBIs and a .355 on-base percentage in 134 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

On cubs.com , Cubs GM Jim Hendry said, "We expect Aaron to provide significant versatility and flexibility to our roster…he handles the bat well from both sides of the plate and is a skillful middle infielder who has added third base and all three outfield positions to his repertoire during the last few years."

 

Lebanon, MO baseball legend dies

Glenn Drake, who for more than 50 years was involved with the Babe Ruth baseball leagues and was instrumental in bringing the Babe Ruth Little League World Series to Lebanon, died Monday in Springfield.  He was 90.  He was elected to the Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame in 1998.  The baseball field at Lebanon’s Atchley Park is named Drake Field in his honor. 

John Daly suspended by the PGA

John Daly has been suspended for six months by the PGA Tour for conduct that included spending a night in a jail to sober up.  The two-time major champion has not played on the tour since he missed the cut Oct. 17 in Las Vegas.

Ten days later, police in North Carolina found him intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant. 

Daly attended Helias high school in Jefferson City and was a Missouri State golf champion.

Top 5 Missouri sports stories of 2008

Cotton Bowl and Alamo Bowl Champs So what do you think should be the top sports stories of 2008?  Read along and see if you agree with me.  I guarantee you forgot the number one story for this year.  One of the most amazing stories I’ve ever heard.

#5, the Cardinals.   Troy Glaus for Scott Rolen trade.   Glaus stayed healthy, hit 27 homers and 99 RBI.  Rolen hit just 11 homers with 50 RBI .  Albert Pujols wins the MVP. 

#4 434,000 people from around the world and right here in Missouri watched some of the Tour of Missouri bike race making it Missouri’s largest international sporting event. 

#3 Columbia native Carl Edwards finishes second overall in the NASCAR’s top two series. 

#2 the Missouri Tigers win two bowl games.  The Alamo Bowl and the Cotton Bowl over Arkansas,

The #1 sports story of 2008.  Its hockey.  Blues defensemen Erik Johnson lost for the year when he injures his right knee after getting his foot caught in a golf cart during a team bonding outing at the Lake of the Ozarks this summer.

Have a safe and Happy 2009.

Download/listen to Bill Pollock’s Top 5 (1:10 mp3)