Opinion

Rep. Paul Ryan toying with Social Security and Medicare in budget negotiations is concerning for seniors.

Republicans need to back away from the black helicopters, er, drones, and focus on real problems, like health care, education, roads and, oh, yea, jobs.

Overall, the outcome suggests that the reality of Columbia comes pretty close to the stereotype. That is, we really are an island of progressive blue in a sea of reactionary red.

Medicaid expansion in Missouri would significantly boost local economies and is the most affordable healthcare alternative for Missourians.

Insurance companies must now publicly justify every rate increase of 10 percent or more, which has led to a sharp decline in double-digit rate hikes. Starting in 2014, insurers will have to justify every proposed rate increase, even if it’s a 1 percent bump.

Changing one's opinion is fine, but if it's only to compromise values in favor of political expedience it is contemptible.

Like the three blogs I read about Columbia, my appreciation and love for my other hometowns seem to be missing something very important — the people.

There is overwhelming evidence of Ryan Ferguson's innocence; he has been mistreated by Missouri's legal system.

For every $1 spent on women’s health services, approximately $5 is saved.

Instead of focusing on women's health issues, lawmakers should focus on the economy, job creation, highway infrastructure, maintaining prisons and making state parks run well.

The tug-a-war among the states and the national government slows policy-making and can result in interstate inequities, but, if the issue of same-sex marriage is any indication, it often contributes to our nation's resilience.

Families struggle with three main issues when it comes to children with autism — receiving the diagnosis, handling the perceptions of others, and deciding on a course of treatment.

The bill establishes a requirement for evaluating teachers and administrators on the basis of students' academic growth.

Columbia's decision-makers and professionals need to seek a positive, qualitative difference in the lives of all of our residents — not just a few.

Having a forward-thinking, supportive and responsive City Council representative for your ward is a great asset, but what you also need is an independent and thoughtful leader at the top, like how Sid Sullivan would be as our next mayor.

Big corporations have used their lobbyists and campaign contributions to rig the tax system in their favor, with some profitable corporations paying no taxes at all. But who’s investing in us?

Rev. Mel West believes that wherever and whenever the Spirit of Jesus Christ is present, no matter what place or space, resurrection will occur.

An MU study found that expanding and strengthening Medicaid will create 24,000 new jobs in Missouri in 2014 alone. That means more nurses will be available to provide care to you and your loved ones.

Wild weather — from flooding to drought — has created havoc on the river the last two years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has acknowledged management practices need to be reconsidered to account for these events.

Karl Skala lives not far from Clark Lane and knows the effects of the area's growth first hand.