The Daily Dish, May 7, 2012

Funding for veterans, blind health care in doubt in Missouri budget By Jason Hancock, The Kansas City Star

Arguments are made to discuss whether money should be spent for veterans, blind health care. If the Senate fails to approve a plan to fund Missouri’s veterans’ nursing homes it could mean the end of a health care program for the blind. The veterans legislation is one Senate vote away from being sent to the governor, but Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, a Dexter Republican, said he won’t bring it up for a vote.

Transportation panel appointment is a return to public work for Jetton AUDIO By Mike Lear, Missourinet

A 21-member committee will hold meetings across the state this spring and summer looking into the future of transportation in Missouri. It also marks a return to public service for a former House Speaker a year after pleading guilty to assault. The Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee on Missouri Transportation Needs has been appointed by House Speaker Steven Tilley (R-Perryville), who wants it to look at the state’s transportation needs and look for solutions.

MSU leasing bill heads to Nixon’s desk for approval By Josh Nelson, News-Leader.com

A bill giving Missouri State University greater flexibility in leasing property is headed to Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk for approval. The Senate gave final approval last week to Senate Bill 562, and it reverses a 2011 law that requires Missouri State and seven other public universities to get prior approval from lawmakers when leasing property. It is said that the change makes it easier for Missouri State to develop areas like the Jordan Valley Innovation Center or the new Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development.