Local county officials continue to push back against any effort on the state level to transfer maintenance of roads to them. Opposition to any transfer of the “lettered roads” to local governments is reflected in unbending comments by Randolph County Commissioner Wayne Wilcox in northeast Missouri. Wilcox says handing over those roadways to […]
Tag: Missouri lawmakers
Audio: Pre-filed bill in Missouri legislature would be among the most restrictive abortion measures in the nation
Missouri lawmakers could be considering a far-reaching abortion restriction in the upcoming legislative session. Republican state Representative Nick Schroer of O’Fallon pre-filed a bill this week that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The measure, which allows for exceptions in medical emergencies, would ban most abortions after […]
Audio: Federal law to block Missouri medical marijuana users from owning a gun
Missouri voters passed medical marijuana use by nearly 66% this month. But federal law will prevent those who obtain a medical marijuana card from owning a gun. John Ham with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives notes pot is still considered a schedule 1 controlled substance. Ham says his agency simply […]
Audio: Missouri agriculture director says technology is crucial to attracting young farmers
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) director says technology is important in attracting young farmers. Brian Hauswirth with Missourinet has the story. The state Department of Agriculture says the average age of a Missouri farmer is 58. MDA Director Chris Chinn notes Governor Mike Parson’s two top priorities are workforce development and infrastructure, adding […]
Audio: Officials now clear why Missouri’s budget is $100 million in the hole
(Missourinet) – Missouri lawmakers and administrators are trying to figure out what has caused a $100 million budget shortfall in the first two months of the current fiscal year. Democratic State Representative Deb Lavender of Kirkwood is a member of the House Budget Committee. She notes there’s a level of uncertainty over how the federal tax […]
Audio: Missouri legislature starts special session today
(Missourinet) – Missouri lawmakers are heading back to work today for a special session requested by Governor Mike Parson. The special session will coincide with the annual veto session that takes place on the first Wednesday after the second Monday in September. The veto session is held for the legislature to consider action on […]
Struggle for affordable health insurance in Missouri will continue
The pursuit of affordable health insurance for all in Missouri is expected to get even harder in the coming year. A new report from the Congressional Budget Office estimates premiums will increase by 31 to 54 percent in 2019 largely because of the decision to eliminate federal subsidies for low- and middle-income people to help them pay […]
Missouri House holds historic special session
History was made Friday night in Jefferson City when Missouri lawmakers called themselves into a special session for the first time. The House, which is considering disciplinary actions against Governor Eric Greitens, met Friday night for about five minutes in the special session, then adjourned. House Speaker Todd Richardson tells Capitol reporters it’s unclear when […]
Massive utility bill passes Missouri legislature
Missouri lawmakers have passed a far-reaching utility bill that satisfies the state’s largest electric companies after years of haggling in the legislature. The bill changes the way regulated utilities negotiate rates with the state by allowing them to more quickly recover the cost of infrastructure upgrades. It would give them more flexibility to change customer rates […]
Audio: More lawmaker reaction to legislative committee examining Missouri Department of Agriculture’s funding
The Missouri House Budget Committee’s ranking Democrat supports Portageville GOP State Representative Don Rone’s call for additional funding for the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). House Minority Whip Kip Kendrick of Columbia tells Missourinet that MDA’s Division of Plant Industries is underfunded. Missouri lawmakers decided in 2010 to fund that division with fees. […]