Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that his office has filed a civil lawsuit against Jason Soetebier and Soetebier Contracting LLC of Jefferson County, Missouri. The suit alleges that Soetebier agreed to complete interior and exterior construction projects for various customers in exchange for full or partial upfront payments. In each instance, Soetebier failed to start […]
Category: State News
Missouri fifth graders invited to enter 2021 Drinking Water Week poster contest
Fifth-grade students from throughout the state are invited to participate in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Section of the American Water Works Association annual poster contest recognizing and celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 2-8, 2021. This year’s contest theme is “There when you need it.” Water resources are often taken for […]
Audio: Missouri Nurses Association says “It’s more dangerous to be a nurse than a police or corrections officer”
Legislation aimed at protecting Missouri health care employees against a growing number of assaults is backed by the 110-thousand member Missouri Nurses Association. State director Heidi Lucas testifies incidents are happening all the time. Lucas also testifies that her brother, who works in the health care field, has already suffered three concussions this […]
Audio: Missouri lawmakers are looking into foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.
A Democratic state lawmaker from St. Louis County wants to ban foreign companies from buying more farmland in Missouri. Democratic Senator Doug Beck, of Affton who is sponsoring the proposal, told members of a Senate panel Monday it is a national security issue, as well as a food security issue. Under current law, […]
Audio: School choice legislation and gas tax legislation could go to Missouri Senate floor this week
Legislation to increase Missouri’s gasoline tax is expected to go to the state Senate floor for debate this week, according to Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz. Schatz spoke to Missourinet Sullivan affiliate KTUI. His legislation would increase Missouri’s gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon, by 2027. Missouri’s 17 cents-per-gallon gas tax […]
Audio: Missouri Supreme Court issues opinion in high-profile Lamar Johnson case
The Missouri Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from convicted murderer Lamar Johnson of St. Louis, a case that has received national media attention. It’s also a case that has attracted attention from elected prosecutors from across the nation and Missouri. The 47-year-old Johnson has been incarcerated since 1995, serving a life sentence without parole […]
Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds owners about safety when it comes to boats and boat docks
Warmer temperatures mean spring is on the way and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy Missouri’s lakes and rivers. To ensure everyone’s safety, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stresses the importance of being aware and courteous while boating. This winter’s ice and heavy snow combinations have caused damage to some boat docks. Dock owners […]
Individuals granted pardons and commutations by Governor Parson identified
On Friday, February 26, 2021, Governor Mike Parson granted 15 pardons and two commutations pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official clemency documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files […]
After outrage over unused vaccines at rural clinics, Parson vows more KC, STL events
(Missouri Independent) – Last week, multiple mass vaccination events in rural areas neared the end of the day with hundreds of doses still on hand — prompting health departments to take to social media and encourage anyone to come for fear doses would be wasted. “We have ample vaccine still available that needs to be […]
Audio: Missouri resolution would let voters decide who sits on the state board of education
Missouri voters could decide who sits on the state board of education – not the governor. Eureka Republican Representative Dottie Bailey is proposing to let voters choose board members during each general election of a presidential election year. A House committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday on the measure. St. Louis Democrat Ian […]
Audio: Kansas City mother urges Missouri lawmakers to approve Blair’s Law
A Kansas City mother whose daughter was killed by a stray bullet from celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July 2011 urged Missouri lawmakers to approve Blair’s law. Michele Shanahan Demoss traveled to Jefferson City on Monday to testify for the bill, which makes discharging a firearm within or into city limits with criminal negligence […]
Audio: A Bill in the Missouri House would ban some gun free zones
People with concealed carry permits could be allowed to take firearms into Missouri places like government buildings, polling places, churches, public hospitals, and public colleges. During a Missouri House committee hearing Monday, Representative Jered Taylor of Nixa says he is proposing eliminating some gun-free zones. Taylor says permit holders could help protect the […]
Missouri State Auditor releases monthly reports on municipalities and special district financial information
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway recently issued monthly reports detailing the compliance of municipalities and other political subdivisions with financial reporting laws. One report includes cities, towns, and villages, while the other lists political subdivisions such as water, fire protection, and other taxing districts. These entities are required to file annual financial reports with the State […]
Governor Parson announces release of remaining $280 million in general revenue restrictions
Governor Mike Parson announced the release of the remaining $280,783,940 in FY21 general revenue restrictions. “Thanks to our balanced approach to COVID-19, Missouri is in a much better position than what was originally projected,” Governor Parson said. “Our economy continues to come back strong, and we’re pleased to be able to release the remainder of these funds […]
One year of COVID-19: Americans continue stepping up to address urgent needs
One year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, people have stepped up to address the emotional needs of families reeling from the coronavirus and 2020’s record-breaking disasters. For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is […]
Audio: Missouri House Committee to hear testimony this week on transgender athlete legislation
A Missouri House committee will meet Monday to discuss whether they’ll hear remote testimony this week on legislation involving transgender high school athletes. Rocheport GOP State Representative Chuck Basye is sponsoring the House joint resolution and says this is an important issue. Basye’s legislation would require that students who participate in sex-separated athletic […]
Audio: More than 1,400 Missouri prisoners enroll in career and technical training annually
More than 1,400 Missouri prisoners enroll in career and technical training annually. During a Missouri House Budget Committee hearing this week, Trevor Foley with the state Department of Corrections, says nearly 1,600 professional certifications were issued to offenders in the fiscal year 2020. Foley says the prison system has a great placement rate […]
Audio: Parson’s proposed state worker pay increase is welcome news for prison employees
The governor’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year includes a two percent pay increase for state workers beginning next January. Trevor Foley, with the Missouri Department of Corrections, says the request is welcomed. Governor Parson’s budget proposal also includes an additional two percent pay increase for three cook classes and an extra […]
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issues order for Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration
Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services signed the standing order for Janssen Biotech, Inc. COVID-19 vaccine administration after a review of preliminary recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We are incredibly appreciative to be receiving additional vaccines in Missouri, and we remain committed […]
Audio: Parson’s budget proposal aims to reduce Public Defender System waiting list
The Missouri Public Defender System has a waiting list of about 2,000 low-income people requesting legal services. Governor Parson’s next state budget proposal attempts to reduce that list by requesting 1.1 million dollars to hire 16 extra attorneys. During a House Budget Committee hearing this week, Director Mary Fox says the office’s caseload is growing […]