Tagged: Missouri Senate

Missouri senators are preparing to debate legislation to revive an insolvent fund for disabled workers.
The state's Second Injury Fund has a deficit of about $25 million that is expected to keep growing.

The fund provides compensation to people with previously existing disabilities who then suffer an additional work-related injury or illness. It's financed by a surcharge on workers' compensation insurance premiums. But the revenues haven't kept up with expenses.

A Missouri Senate committee has heard testimony on legislation aimed at strengthening the state's open meetings and records law.

Sponsoring Sen. Kurt Schaefer said during a hearing Wednesday one significant change focuses on complaints about violations.

Schaefer says current law puts the burden on complainants to show that a violation occurred. His legislation would require the governmental body to prove during legal proceedings that a meeting, record or vote was properly closed.

All genetically modified meat and fish raised and sold in Missouri would have to be labeled as such, under legislation filed in the State Senate.  It’s sponsored by Democrat Jamilah Nasheed of St. Louis. 

Missouri lawmakers have convened their 2013 session with Republican supermajorities controlling both the House and Senate.

Republicans have made tax cuts one of their top priorities for the 97th General Assembly, which runs until May 17.

They also plan to pursue business-friendly changes to the state's legal system, a bonding proposal for colleges, job-protection changes for public teachers and potentially a new transportation funding plan.