(Missouri Independent) – The House Budget Committee will submit its revisions to Gov. Mike Parson’s $34.1 billion state operating budget to the full House this week without the benefit of clear guidelines for spending new infusions of federal cash. The committee must also decide whether and how it will use a record general revenue surplus. The fund’s cash balance […]
(Missouri Independent) – The plan for distributing money directly to Missouri counties in the current version of the $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief bill is pretty simple – each gets $195.44 per person. But for cities, instead of a formula based on population, Congress divvies up the money using the method for determining Community Development Block Grant allocations. […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the Conservation Reserve Program General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021. USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates […]
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the County Reimbursement Program, which reimburses county governments for certain costs for housing and transporting state prisoners. The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Corrections. The audit found that a combination of delayed reimbursements due to lack of state funding and increasing incarceration […]
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees heard various reports the evening of December 22nd. Multiple reports involved information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Dean of Instruction Mitch Holder filled in for Vice President of Academic Affairs Doctor Tristan Londre. Holder reported students were appreciative of the on-campus experience during the fall semester. He is […]
Governor Mike Parson announced an additional $10.1 million for the A+ scholarship program, including $4.9 million in CARES Act funding and $5.2 million in supplemental funding to be proposed in the Governor’s recommended budget. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more students to utilize the A+ program than originally anticipated in the state’s budget. As a […]
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees approved multiple personnel items at a meeting on November 24th. One was the retirement of English Instructor and Department Chairperson Linda Cowling effective at the end of the summer intercession in 2021. Fourteen of Cowling’s 28 years in education have been at NCMC. The board approved emeritus status […]
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s performance on economic policies has placed him among some of the top governors in the nation in a new report. In a first-of-its-kind report, the American Legislative Exchange Council, a right-wing group of lawmakers and business people, ranked Parson 13th overall among states’ governors. Report co-author Donna Arduin said Parson’s corporate […]
COVID-19 could put the Missouri Transportation Department and the traveling public in a major bind this winter. At a legislative committee hearing, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna says his department has a shortfall of more than 400 plow truck drivers and heavy equipment operators. He says the shortage could grow this winter. McKenna says […]
Missouri is getting rid of about 500 state worker jobs, including 300 filled positions. The Department of Social Services is getting the largest workforce reduction – about 200 middle managers. During a press conference this week, State Budget Director Dan Haug says the coronavirus pandemic has taken a major toll on the state budget. […]
The Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education has approved the 2020-2021 budget. Estimated revenues total $1,656,423, and projected expenditures are $1,666,809.55. That leaves a deficit of $10,386.55. Superintendent Lucas McKinnis reports Newtown-Harris is undergoing a shift in staff population, as there are new teachers, and other teachers retire. The district also saw costs it does not […]
The Newtown-Harris R-3 Board of Education has approved MFA as the district’s propane provider for the 2020-2021 school year. Diesel bids were discussed. There was also discussion on the impact of the state budget shortfall. More information will be provided at the budget workshop June 25th. An update was given on COVID-19 and measures for […]
