The state expects to hear within several weeks if it will have to pay back bonuses it received for high participation rates in the food stamp program. The participation actually was much less than the state reported. [Read more...]
Senators don’t get all the answers they want on health care
January 12, 2010 By
State senators get a thorough briefing on national health care, but don’t get the answer they crave most: how much will an overhaul cost Missouri.
The National Conference of State Legislature’s Joy Johnson Wilson, speaking via telephone, tells senators the two versions of health care legislation in Congress vary greatly. The United States House in Washington, D. C. approved its version first. The Senate wrangled over several versions before settling on one that contains significant differences, most prominently the omission of a public health insurance option. [Read more...]
Senators hear pros and cons of Fair Tax
January 12, 2010 By
State Senators have had a chance to hear from supporters and opponents of a proposal to eliminate the state income tax and replace it with the so-called Fair Tax – a sales tax on goods and services. The proposal, which purports to be revenue neutral, has economic growth as its goal.
Among those speaking in support of the proposal was economist Art Laffer, known as the father of supply side economics. He sees elimination of the state income tax as a magnet that would draw wealthy individuals who create jobs. [Read more...]
Tjeerdsma gets honored again
January 12, 2010 By
Northwest Missouri State head football coach Mel Tjeerdsma has been named Division II Coach of the Year by both the American Football Coaches’ Association and by FieldTurf in ceremonies this week. Liberty Mutual named Tjeerdsma coach of the year in a ceremony last week.
Senate resolution rejects tax cuts, hikes
January 12, 2010 By
The movement has been started in the legislature to throw out a tax cut for Missouri farmers who have about 65 percent of Missouri’s farmland.
Senator Bill Stouffer’s resolution would reject a state tax commission proposal to increase productivity values on about 35 percent of Missouri farmland. The state tax commission says proposal, however, would reduce productivity values on 65 percent of farmland. [Read more...]
