State News
Plants unscathed by cold, gardeners say
Some said their yards were free of frost, and others said if any damage did occur, it might take a while to show up.
Bill on car dealer suits headed to Blunt
The bill only affects lawsuits filed under a state law dealing with deception, false promises and misrepresentation.
State workers to get 3 percent pay raise
House and Senate budget negotiators agreed on the pay hike today, to begin with the new state budget July 1.
MU still a good value, president says
In a speech Tuesday addressing concerns about higher education's future, UM System President Gary Forsee announced that MU was ranked 47th in receiving funds from the state.
Officials: Voter ID ruling likely won't change much in Mo.
A state Supreme Court decision in 2006 will likely protect Missourians from a voter identification law the federal Supreme Court upheld Monday, lawmakers say.
Nixon announces higher education plan
His proposed Missouri Promise plan would create a path to a four-year degree for students by providing a scholarship to qualifying students to cover college or university costs.
Projections say Mo. population growth will lag that of nation
The state Office of Administration today released updated population projections for Missouri going out to 2030.
Aftershocks continue in the Midwest
The U.S. Geological Survey says 26 aftershocks have been centered in Illinois since last week’s 5.2-magnitude temblor that originated in the southeast part of that state.
Senator: Limit travel's ties to insurance rates
Sponsoring Sen. Scott Rupp says some Missourians have been denied life insurance policies because they planned to vacation in certain parts of the world. He says some insurance companies, for example, view Israel as dangerous.
Malpractice suits and premiums down since 2005, Blunt says
Critics countered that many Missourians are declining to file medical malpractice suits because the lower cap on damages means that even if they win, most of the money will go to attorneys.
Budget writers OK responder radio plan
The radio system now used by the Missouri State Highway Patrol is about 50 years old.
House: Pair teacher councils and districts on contract talks
It's an attempt to set up a structure for collective bargaining.
House rejects bill to limit tipped worker wages
Critics said the proposed reduction would have been unfair to tipped workers and disrespectful to voters who approved the minimum wage increase.
Push to expand tuition aid plan
Under an agreement by House and Senate budget negotiators, the Access Missouri scholarship program would be expanded next year to cover a projected 49,000 students, including several thousand from wealthier families.
Bill gives Aquila power plant a pass
The state House voted to allow Aquila to continue operating a power plant near Peculiar. The plant was built amid substantial legal questions.
Amendments keep Insure Missouri in the Senate
The Senate Insure Missouri bill got its first taste of floor debate on Tuesday as senators debated several amendments with just more than three weeks left in legislative session.
Mo. prisoners seek reviews of crack cocaine sentences
The U.S. Probation Office covering eastern Missouri already has received nearly 600 petitions from federal prisoners, asking that their terms either be shortened or ended.
Mo. senators debate health coverage plan for uninsured
JEFFERSON CITY — After its flashy debut fizzled out, Gov. Matt Blunt's Insure Missouri proposal made a comeback of sorts today as senators debated legislation that eventually could subsidize health insurance for as many as 200,000 lower-income Missourians.
Mandated ethanol-blended fuel concerns some lawmakers
JEFFERSON CITY — Although it has been in effect for only four months, some lawmakers want to repeal Missouri's law requiring gas stations to sell ethanol-blended fuel.
Punish employers who hire illegal immigrants, union members say
JEFFERSON CITY — Hundreds of union members fill the Capitol's south lawn today urging lawmakers to punish employers who hire illegal immigrants.
