|
|
Published May 25, 2007 08:13 pm - The just-concluded session of the Missouri General Assembly ended better than expected, local lawmakers said Friday, with important legislation gaining approval in the final week.
Legislative session ends ‘better than expected’
By Susan Redden
sredden@joplinglobe.com
The just-concluded session of the Missouri General Assembly ended better than expected, local lawmakers said Friday, with important legislation gaining approval in the final week.
Fewer bills than normal were passed during the session, another reason it was declared a relative success during some comments at an “eggs and issues” breakfast sponsored by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Pieces of legislation, including bills to raise money for college building projects, revamp the state’s Medicaid program and boost safety requirements at group care homes, were discussed by state Sen. Gary Nodler and state Reps. Bryan Stevenson, Steve Hunter, Ron Richard, Marilyn Ruestman, Kevin Wilson and Ed Emery. About 80 people attended the event held at the Joplin Ramada Inn.
Nodler, who is chairman of the Senate Education Committee, touted passage of the MOHELA bill that will generate more money for college construction projects, and a higher-education reform bill aimed at stabilizing tuition increases and encouraging the colleges to work together.
The MOHELA legislation will make $355 million in construction funds available without jeopardizing loans for Missouri students, Nodler said, because the loan packages sold are those to out-of-state students.
House approval was unanimous, with only one dissenting vote in the Senate, on a bill sponsored by Rep. Wilson requiring sprinkler systems and heat and smoke detectors in the wake of the fatal fire at the Anderson Guest House late last year. Senate amendments allow some exemptions in the sprinkler requirement, Wilson said, adding “but still, it will save lives.”
Hunter said there was some question whether the Medicaid reform bill would pass, and the final version represented “a lot of hearings” when the Senate and House disagreed over major provisions.
He said the measure will give Medicaid patients a “medical home” to serve as their primary care physician and improve the reimbursement rate to physicians to encourage doctors to take more Medicaid patients. Hunter, who earlier toiled on workers’ compensation reform, said he has been named to a committee to reform the bankrupt Second Injury fund.
Ruestman described unsuccessful efforts on behalf of a bill that would have allowed school construction projects to be bid without using prevailing wage rates. She said she thought, mistakenly, that an estimated $300 million in savings for school districts would convince her colleagues. She said the proposal failed 105-58, but she will propose it again next session.
She did get passage of a measure she proposed to allow homeowners to defend themselves if someone breaks into their homes.
“If someone breaks in your house, you can presume they intend you harm, and you can blast ’em,” she said, to laughter from those in the audience.
Stevenson, a member of the House budget committee, said the session included a $100 million spending increase for public education and another $100 million hike in spending for the new state health care program.
“That came without a tax increase, but because of economic growth,” he said.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED
for local construction project, must have CDL and experience on construction site belly dumps. 417-206-0930....>MORE
See all ads |
|
FORD, 1997 F150
V8, automatic, extended cab, high miles, $2600. (417)214-0145....>MORE
1999 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE
Delegance, Michelin tires, Northstar, vinyl top, loaded, $3900/or offer. (417)850-0731....>MORE
2002 FORD TAURUS SE
nice car, 3.0 liter V6, $2900. 417-850-0731....>MORE
1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE
YAMAHA PSR-GX76
76 key keyboard, new in box, sustain petal and music stand, paid $324, sell for $175. 417-434-0925...>MORE
2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT
loaded, 1 owner, 94,000 miles, nice. (417)385-7755...>MORE
OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, sharp, loaded, automatic, air, CD, extra nice, $2600. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
HONDA 2001 CIVIC EX
HONDA, 2001 Civic EX, 4 door, automatic, 94,000 miles, $5800; 1998 Accord, 4 door, $4200; 1999 Honda Prelude, automatic...>MORE
1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
removable hard tops, automatic, air, CD, sharp, $2500. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
See all ads |
|
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
525 E. 41ST, JOPLIN, MO
to be sold at auction December 5th or before. Lovely all red brick home on large corner. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, double...>MORE
3 ACRES
3 ACRES more/less with pond. Nice park-like setting, just minutes from Range Line. Close to area of newer homes. $19,900...>MORE
See all ads |
|
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE
POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE
5TH WHEEL
5TH WHEEL, 2004 Prowler Regal, 26’, 2 slides, loaded, nice. (620)674-2127....>MORE
ANTIQUES FOR SALE
blue sette $350 2 lamps $75 coffee table $35 2 half side tables $35 2 mauve 60's chairs $225 will e-mail photos. 417-673...>MORE
REWARD $50,000 REWARD
Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged ...>MORE
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
1000 thread 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheets, all sizes, 10 colors, $35/set. (417)782-6639....>MORE
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|