Bills ranging from Life Sciences to restrictions on abortion funding pass the Missouri House and move on to the Senate. A bill earmarking 25-percent of the national tobacco settlement for Life Sciences wins broad support, with an effective date of 2007 when supporters hope the state budget can rely less on the tobacco money. A bill banning direct or indirect funding of abortion gains widespread support, but attracts harsh critics. Attracting the most controversy, a bill prohibiting unions from automatically deducting dues from state worker paychecks. Democrats support other state employee rights contained in the bill, but say they can’t stomach the clause on unions. It passes, but with only a couple of votes to spare.
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