The Daily Dish–Feb.23

Missouri Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on Wednesday pondering a variety of options to fund I-70 reconstruction, which include making it a toll road. The committee will hold two more meetings before making a recommendation to the Senate. From Columbia Missourian, by Dan Burley.

Boone County will be kept in the 19th Senate District based on a preliminary plan approved by a state redistricting commission on Thursday. The plan will be finalized pending a 15-day public comment period, and a final vote by the commission. It will become effective when at least seven out of ten commission members vote yes. BY CHRIS BLANK/The Associated Press 

Drivers in Columbia would have to understand English in order to pass the driver’s license test, according to the legislation  passed by the state House on Thursday. Currently testers could choose from 11 languages other than English. BY The Associated Press

The Daily Dish — Feb. 16

Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission proposes Phase II of Windsor Ash Bike Boulevard by Amy Willsey, Columbia Missourian

Citing the positive reception of Phase I, which placed so-called bike boulevards on Ash and Windsor streets, Bike/Ped sought approval Wednesday to finance a $460,000 expansion with federal funding. Phase II, however, is one of several projects eligible to receive the grant money. City Council will decide which will get the go-ahead at a later time.

Boone County seeks authority to regulate rental property by Antony Lee, Columbia Missourian

Three area representatives took their case for Senate Bill 730, which would grant Boone County the authority to impose regulations on rental property outside city limits, before the state Senate’s Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee on Wednesday. Similar legislation has historically failed to fly, but county reps expressed optimism for the new bill’s prospects.

Senate approves bill moving back Missouri primary date by Marshall Griffin, KBIA

Thursday dawned with the first-round approval of a bill calling for the postponement of filing deadlines for Missouri’s state and national officials. The legislation comes in the heat of a legal battle over the state’s new district boundaries and would shift the filing period back about a month. A single vote stands between the bill and a House vote, but legislators anticipate that it will be received by day’s end.

The Daily Dish — Feb. 15

Nancy Copenhaver to file for election in 47th District by Anli Xiao, Columbia Missourian

Former state representative Nancy Copenhaver of Moberly plans to reprise her three-year stint in the Jefferson City after nearly a decade-long hiatus from state government. She filed Tuesday for election in the new 47th district, which encompasses areas of north and northwest Columbia. Her announcement included promises to act as a “good steward” for tax dollars and “an advocate” for citizens.

State senator seeks public funding for religious schools by The Associated Press

In the wake of the battle for religious freedom spurred by division contraception legislation, a new topic has emerged under the same banner: State Senator Scott Rupp is moving to strike language from the Missouri Constitution barring religiously affiliated schools from receiving public funding. In addition to combating what he claims is religious discrimination, he hopes the amendment will benefit students in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, where public school districts have become unaccredited.

Missouri Supreme Court strikes down ethics law because of the way it was passed by Steve Kraske, Kansas City Star

The Missouri Supreme Court reversed an ethics bill meant to curtail the laundering of campaign donations Tuesday, calling the manner in which it was passed, well, unethical. The provision was apparently tacked on to unrelated bill concerning purchasing and printing parameters for elected state officials. Sponsors of the overturned legislation indicated they will seek approval for a new — and hopefully more transparent — ethics bill the coming weeks.

The Daily Dish — Feb. 14

Columbia School Board votes to approve new school attendance boundaries by Allie Hinga, Columbia Missourian

The Columbia School Board met Monday night despite weather-related school closures to discuss boundaries, budget parameters and air conditioning funding. After months of deliberation and significant resistance from citizens, the board voted to approve Scenario B, which will redraw attendance areas for local intermediate and high schools. The new boundaries will be made effective in Fall 2013.

Students Prepare to Face Legislators by Cidney King, KOMU

Members of the Missouri Students Association will deliver 6,000 letters to the Capitol today in response to Gov. Jay Nixon’s lessened but still significant cuts to higher education. Some students also plan to address the House Higher Education committee in hopes of persuading legislators to alleviate cuts before the budget approval deadline in June.

Legislators spar over Obama budget by Bill Raack, KBIA

United States Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt are butting heads over the viability of President Obama’s proposed national budget. The Missouri democrat said that while it must be managed, further spending is necessary for economic revival. From the right side of the aisle, however, Sen. Blunt dissented, calling the $3.8 trillion plan “more of the same reckless spending that has forced our nation’s record debt to skyrocket.”

The Daily Dish — Feb. 12

The first of two meetings scheduled to address the future of Columbia Transit is scheduled for Monday, February 13 at Unitarian Universalist Church. The proceedings, headed by City Councilwoman Barabara Hoppe, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Can’t make it tomorrow? There’s a second date beyond the jump.

The Columbia Board of Education will vote on another hot topic, school boundaries, at Monday night’s meeting. Citizens unsatisfied with the finalized boundaries may lobby for extended transfer options for students adversely affected by the redistricting.

Missouri government at the state level is not without its own weekend controversies: Legislation pertaining to voter ID and workplace discrimination is making its rounds around the capitol. Similar bills were vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon last year and, because he has made no indication he’ll budge, state legislators appear to be headed for a fight.

The Daily Dish- Sept. 30, 2011

Boone County finds temporary management for fairgrounds – Columbia Missourian

Boone County will pay $45,000 a month during a three-month contract with the recently-formed firm TAG Events, LLC. TAG Events, LLC, represented by Mike Teel and Brent Gibson, will serve as interim manager of the county fairgrounds.

Group seeks to raise Missouri minimum wage – AP/Columbia Missourian

Missouri voters could be asked to raise the state’s minimum wage to $8.25 an hour during the 2012 elections. A proposed initiative has been submitted to the secretary of state’s office, which must approve a battle title before supports can begin collecting signatures to get the  minimum wage issue on the 2012 ballot.

UPDATE: Missouri Republicans set March presidential causcuses – AP/ Columbia Missourian

“Missouri Republicans decided Thursday to use caucuses to choose presidential candidates, bailing out of a planned February primary that had threatened to cause confusion for the 2012 election calendar.”

 

Daily Dish 05/10 : Welfare drug-testing measure goes to Nixon

Welfare drug-testing measure goes to Nixon – Columbia Daily Tribune

“The Missouri House sent a tough bill aimed at drug-testing welfare recipients to Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk this morning.”

Mississipi River crests in Memphis at nearly 48 feet – Columbia Missourian

“The Mississippi River crested in Memphis at nearly 48 feet on Tuesday, falling inches short of its all-time record but still soaking low-lying areas with enough water to require a massive cleanup.”

Prevention is key for group – Columbia Daily Tribune

“Prevention specialist Karen Farris presents mental health information to students on Monday”

Daily Dish 4/12: Columbia school board chooses Tom Rose as new president

Columbia school board chooses Tom Rose as new president— Columbia Daily Tribune

The board unanimously elected Rose as president and Christine King as vice president.

Prosecutors tell how they built “no body” case against Wright— Columbia Missourian

When Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Richard Hicks began looking into Johnny Wright’s arrest almost two years ago, the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office didn’t even have a file for him anymore.

House bill could offer tuition credit to businesses creating new state jobs— Columbia Missourian

Missouri businesses could gain tuition credits for creating new jobs in a proposed bill now under consideration in the state House of Representatives.

Daily Dish 4/7: Filibuster on unemployment benefits ends

UPDATE: Missouri Senate embraces extension of unemployment benefits— Columbia Missourian

Several Republican senators ended a filibuster against legislation renewing the federal long-term unemployment benefits.

UPDATE: Missouri House approves plan for new congressional districts— Columbia Missourian

The General Assembly is required to lower the number of Missouri’s districts from nine to eight and submit finalized proposals by the end of the legislative session because of population changes cited in the 2010 census.

Schools aim at 10-year budget plan— Columbia Tribune

Representatives of Columbia Public Schools will soon be asking the public for feedback on future goals, with the ultimate aim of creating a long-term financial plan.

Daily Dish 3/18: Former Columbia mayor valued friendships

Former Columbia mayor valued friendships – Missourian

“Les Proctor died Tuesday at the age of 68.”

Nixon to name Missouri’s legislative redistricting panels – The Associated Press

“The Missouri Constitution requires the governor to appoint a panel of five Republicans and five Democrats to redraw Senate districts, and a panel of nine Democrats and nine Republicans to redraw House districts.”

KC authorities check 800 vehicles on St. Pat’s – The Associated Press

“Forty-one people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol during the checks Thursday night outside Westport, a Kansas City entertainment district, police said.”