Missouri Legislature

Do Missouri’s farmers and ranchers need a constitutional amendment to continue their way of life, or does current law offer enough protection? That’s the debate surrounding one of the five ballot measures Missouri voters will decide next month. Supporters and opponents are campaigning and spending money on efforts to both pass and kill the proposal that could limit regulations on farming and ranching.

Origins and journey of 'Right to Farm'

Missouri lawmakers want to put a stop to economic incentives for businesses who move across the state line from Kansas.

But the legislation Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law Tuesday only goes into effect if Kansas agrees to a similar measure to end what's commonly known as the "Border War."

Missourians will vote Aug. 5 on a 0.75 percent sales tax increase for transportation projects. The proposal — commonly known as the transportation tax — would generate billions of dollars over the next decade to fix roads, repair bridges and improve mass transit. 

The stakes are high. Supporters say Missouri needs more money for its aging transportation infrastructure. With gas tax revenue dwindling and federal funding uncertain, some policymakers see the sales tax as a guaranteed way to fund transportation needs.

Updated at 3:57 p.m. with reaction from House Budget Chair Rick Stream, R-Kirkwood.

Updated at 3:21 p.m. with reaction from House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka.

Updated with reactions at 2:25 p.m., Tues., June 24. 

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has announced $1.1 billion in cuts from the Fiscal Year 2015 state budget that goes into effect July 1.

Those cuts include nearly $276 million in line-item vetoes and $846 million in temporary withholds, which could be released by the governor at a later date.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon believes there’s still hope for expanding Medicaid in the state, and feels that voters will strike down “right-to-work” legislation if the issue makes it onto the ballot. KSMU’s Scott Harvey has more on the Governor’s keynote address as part of the annual Jackson Day Celebration.

Landlords would not be required to disclose if a property was contaminated through the manufacture of controlled substances, given the site is properly cleaned. That’s according to a bill filed by a Springfield lawmaker in the Missouri House. KSMU’s Scott Harvey has details.

Conservative activists and elected officials from across the state will gather in Springfield this weekend for the Missouri GOP’s Lincoln Days festivities. KSMU's Theresa Bettmann has more.

The three day event takes place at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention center beginning Friday night with a reception dinner.  Matt Wills is the direction of communications for the Missouri Republican party.  He says this is a chance to celebrate accomplishments and highlight party goals. 

Around the turn of the 20th Century, the nickname Show-Me state was bestowed upon Missouri. And through the years, like so many other states, Missouri has compiled a rather interesting list of state designations. KSMU’s Scott Harvey tells us about the latest proposal that is turning heads.