Governor Parson Gives State of the State Address 2021

Despite massive surplus, Governor Parson vetoes $115 million from Missouri budget

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri will enter the new budget year with a record budget surplus and no restrictions on appropriations. The $35.6 billion budget includes rate increases for some Medicaid providers, higher funding for colleges and universities, and new mental health crisis centers. A few hours after lawmakers passed an extension of provider taxes vital to funding […]

Niagra Bottling website

Niagara Bottling announces new manufacturing facility in Kansas City, creating nearly 100 jobs

Niagara Bottling, LLC, a family-owned beverage manufacturer headquartered in Diamond Bar, California, announced it will invest approximately $156 million in a new production facility in Kansas City, Missouri. This new facility will initially create nearly 100 jobs. “Niagara Bottling is excited to establish a second manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Missouri,” said Brian Hess, Executive […]

WOTUS or Waters of the United States

Coalition of lawmakers sound alarm on Biden administration’s plan to redefine “Waters of the United States” or WOTUS

Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) and other top Republican leaders in outlining their concerns regarding the Biden administration’s intention to undo the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule.  The Biden administration’s recent announcement signaled its intent […]

CAFO or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation

Some of Missouri’s largest CAFOs are seeking less stringent state regulation

Eleven of Missouri’s largest concentrated animal feeding operations are working to reduce the state’s oversight of their hog facilities despite a record of manure spills and clean water violations.  Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, has 11 CAFOs seeking new state permits.  The facilities, dotted across northern Missouri, combined are capable of raising more […]

Missouri Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson offers up detailed list of funding on the chopping block if FRA stalemate is not resolved

During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson warned of the detrimental consequences to Missourians if the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related programs were not extended. The FRA and related programs provide critical funding to MO HealthNet and must be extended before cost-savings measures are needed on July 1.  “If political […]

Carroll County Memorial Hospital

Carroll County Memorial Hospital Honors Staff with a High Performers Social

To honor and recognize their employees, Carroll County Memorial Hospital typically holds departmental appreciation weeks throughout the year. Employees are categorized into five groups and are traditionally recognized during one of these five special weeks. However, COVID-19 has continued to create a challenge for traditional recognition activities. “The CCMH Rewards & Recognition Team worked hard […]

Prison Healthcare or medical

Missouri prison healthcare contract won by a company accused of bid-rigging in Tennessee

(Missouri Independent) – The long-time contractor for medical services in Missouri’s prisons is protesting the state’s decision to award the business to a company that will charge more than lawmakers appropriated and is accused of bid-rigging to obtain a contract in Tennessee prisons. Centurion Health, a Virginia subsidiary of St. Louis-based managed care company Centene, beat […]

Gun On American Flag (shooting) (Mass Shooting) (Violence)

Missouri Attorney General, Governor send letter to Biden DOJ, fighting encroachment on Second Amendment rights

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Governor Mike Parson sent a letter to President Biden’s Department of Justice fighting back against potential federal overreach and encroachment on Missourians’ Second Amendment rights. The full letter can be found here “Missourians’ and Americans’ Second Amendment rights are enshrined in the Constitution – I will defend those rights […]

Food Stamp or SNAP Graphic

Feds pony up to get more SNAP-eligible families enrolled

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a 50/50 match on Nebraska dollars invested in outreach to get more eligible families enrolled in SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps. Ellen Vollinger, legal director at the Food Research and Action Center, said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps struggling families put food on the […]

Gallatin City Hall

Gallatin Board of Aldermen report crews to begin installation of new electric and water meters

The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved two ordinances on Monday, June 14 that authorized entering into service contract agreements. One involved a telemetry system with Micro-Comm for the water plant supervisory control and data acquisition system. The other involved a uniform service contract agreement with Aramark. The board agreed to hire Decker Construction to insert […]