Network cables (RJ45 ) connected to a switch

Missouri lags behind other states in broadband access and adoption

Missouri lags behind many other states in broadband access and adoption, limiting people’s ability to participate in the emerging digital economy, digital learning, and even telemedicine. The trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed the Senate this week, includes $65 billion to boost high-speed internet access, along with other funds for roads, bridges, airports, and Amtrak. Tim […]

Medicaid Expansion in Missouri

Audio: Hatfield expects decision in Missouri Medicaid expansion lawsuit case in a few business days

Missouri’s Solicitor General says the state Department of Social Services needs two months to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion. D. John Sauer made his comments Friday to Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem, saying DSS needs more employees and computer upgrades for implementation. Attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents the three low-income women suing Missouri, disagrees.   […]

Grundy County Commission Sign

Grundy County Commission makes appointment to Grundy County Health Department Board; opens bids for Streambank Stabilization

The Grundy County Commission made an appointment to the Grundy County Health Department Board and opened bids for the Streambank Stabilization project this (Tuesday) morning. Cari Blackburn was appointed to the health department board to replace Troy Crawford, who resigned after he moved from the area. Three bids were opened for the Streambank Stabilization project […]

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USDA invests $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is investing $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states. “When we invest in infrastructure, we’re investing in the people of rural America to help create thriving communities where they can grow and prosper. These loans […]

Medicaid Expansion in Missouri

Missouri Supreme Court rules voter-approved Medicaid expansion is constitutional

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri must expand Medicaid to 275,000 eligible people who were expecting coverage under a constitutional amendment that took effect July 1, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled Thursday. In a unanimous opinion, the court overturned a trial court ruling that the amendment, passed in August 2020 was unconstitutional because it may increase the state’s cost for […]

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Blunt sponsors bipartisan senate effort to protect wildlife

U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Martin Heinrich (N.M.) introduced the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) of 2021 to invest in proactive, on-the-ground conservation work led by states, territories, and Tribal nations to support the long-term health of fish and wildlife habitat all across America. “Missouri is home to some of the best hunting, […]

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Groups urge those in charge of voting-district maps to put Missouri voters over partisan interests in redistricting

Redistricting reformers urged the people charged with drawing new voting-district maps in Missouri to commit to putting the voters over partisan interests. Governor Mike Parson has appointed a bipartisan group of commissioners to draw state legislative maps. The Legislature draws congressional maps. Caroline Fan, founder and president of the Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation said in […]

Audio: Starting in August, Missouri’s colleges and universities will no longer have a limit on annual tuition hikes

A new law beginning in August will allow Missouri’s colleges and universities to charge more intuition. Excelsior Springs State Representative Doug Richey sponsored the language that removes a limit on annual tuition increases. He tells Missourinet he does not expect schools to charge unreasonable tuition rates.     Richey says the change will also allow […]

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Lawmakers successfully push White House to drop proposal that would hurt small cities and rural communities

Lawmakers are celebrating the decision to drop a proposal before the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to redefine a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The proposal would have raised the threshold for an MSA from 50,000 residents to 100,000, which would have eliminated 144 areas from the designation, including St. Joseph. The move to drop […]