Tagged: missouri legislature

Missouri lawmakers are kicking off the state's annual budgeting process this week. The Senate Appropriations Committee will take public testimony on education and health care issues at a hearing Tuesday.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster plans to create a new task force to focus on urban violence. The attorney general's office says the panel could start work in late spring with meetings in Kansas City and St. Louis.

Koster, a Democrat, won a second term this past November. During his re-election campaign, he said he was considering task forces to focus on urban crime and to evaluate the annual report on law enforcement traffic stops.

A Missouri House bill aims to restrict the use of cash welfare benefits at casinos and liquor stores.

Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City this week for the start of the 2013 regular session.  So far it appears that this year’s dominating issue will be the expansion of Medicaid, which Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has called for and which Republican leaders in both chambers say won’t happen.  St. Louis Public Radio’s Marshall Griffin takes a closer look at that looming battle and other issues facing Missouri lawmakers this year.

Medicaid Expansion