Politics

A Missouri Senate panel had endorsed a new funding source for a program that serves developmentally disabled children.

More than 5,000 diplomas are expected to be handed out this weekend at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Spring graduation ceremonies begin Friday and continue through Sunday. Commencement speakers include U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, who will address the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and Boone County Circuit Judge Kevin Crane, speaking at the ceremony of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The final week of Missouri's regular legislative session has arrived.  The Republican-led General Assembly and Democratic Governor Jay Nixon are pushing to get several things accomplished before Friday.  St. Louis Public Radio's Marshall Griffin tells us that the session, so far, has been one highlighted by partisanship and controversy.

Nixon vs. lawmakers, tax credit reform

Governor Jay Nixon (D) delivered a mixed report card Friday on the state budget and other bills passed by the Republican-controlled Missouri General Assembly this week.

While he complimented lawmakers for increasing funding for K-12 schools and higher education, he also criticized them for passing legislation that would cut state income tax rates for individuals and corporations.  He told reporters that the bill would gut state revenues by more than $800 million.

The Missouri senate passed legislation Monday that would prevent local municipalities from making laws regarding mediation in home foreclosures.