Politics

Members of Missouri’s GOP say private sector growth and working with Democrats across the political aisle are key focus points for Republican candidates this election year. More than 30 local Republicans gathered at a Columbia Hy-Vee Monday, where discussions at the Boone County Pachyderm Club focused on the state economy.

The Jefferson City City Council has taken on a debate about smoking in public housing.  A subcommittee of the City Council has announced a special meeting to discuss smoking regulations in public housing and whether the council has any power to change them. Several citizens from public housing and Smokefree Jefferson City asked the council earlier this month to strengthen regulations on smoking in public housing.

In the next few days, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the federal health care law. Even if the court upholds the law, one key component will be under fire here in Missouri come November. On the ballot will be a measure targeting the law's required online marketplaces, or health insurance exchanges, where individuals and small businesses can buy plans. 

Updated 4:34 p.m. with comments from Rep. Sylvester Taylor. 

Usually, the residency requirement for political candidates is just another box to check, but two cases involving St. Louis-area office-seekers have not been so clearly defined - until today.

NBC Pared Key Bit from Sandusky Interview

In what continues to be one of the most divisive issues in Columbia, a proposed Enhanced Enterprise Zone was the topic of more public discussion and a rally at last night’s Columbia City Council meeting. 

Columbia residents rallied last night to express frustrations over the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and what they believe to be a nonresponsive municipal government.

Columbia residents have publicly voiced their opposition to the measure that is designed to bring jobs to Columbia through a series of tax credits for businesses that set up within the zone’s boundaries.

Two ballot questions going before Missouri voters in November won’t cost or save the state any money, according the State Auditor’s office.

One in particular would make changes to how appellate judges are selected.  The fiscal note for that measure was put together by Deputy Auditor Harry Otto.

“(We contacted) four statewide offices, 20 other departments/agencies, the House and Senate," Otto said.  "Out of those 24 places that we contacted we received comments from 16, and all 16 said ‘no costs associated with this measure.’”