JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —
The Missouri House has given preliminary approval to a bill allowing drug tests of people seeking or receiving welfare if the state suspects they’re using illegal drugs.
Under the bill endorsed Wednesday, people who fail a drug test would lose their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for one year. Proponents say taxpayers don’t want people to use welfare money to buy drugs.
The House amended the bill so that the Department of Social Services may not discriminate by race or ethnicity when it chooses whom to test for drugs.
A second vote is needed in the House before the bill goes to the Senate, where a committee considered three similar measures Tuesday. That committee will vote on a bill next week.
Local News
Missouri House supports drug tests for TANF recipients
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Volunteers from Tuscaloosa paying it forward in Joplin
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Webb City mural taking shape at corner of Main, Broadway
Last Thursday, the north wall of the Middlewest Building at Main Street and Broadway was white. Eighteen gallons of paint and a whole lot of red Solo cups later, it will be a completed community mural depicting the Webb City Farmers Market.
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Filing deadline approaching for county offices in Kansas
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Economic development strategies emerge from Joplin Regional Prosperity Initiative meeting
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Mike Pound: Singing the praises of music teacher
When I was in sixth grade, Sister Susan, the music teacher at St. Xavier’s Catholic School, walked over to me while I and my fellow students were singing at Easter midnight Mass and said a bit loudly: “Mike, don’t sing.”
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Electric bill to drop $6 a month in Joplin
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by The Empire District Electric Company, based in Joplin, to lower the fuel adjustment charge (FAC) on the bills of its electric customers.
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Mo. Legislature officially ends its 2012 session
Missouri's annual legislative session has officially come to a close.
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Strong to severe storms forecast for Joplin region
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Economic-development strategies posed for Joplin region
More than 30 people shared ideas Wednesday on ways to promote economic development in the seven counties that are participating in the Joplin Regional Prosperity Initiative.
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Kansas primary filing deadline near
Kansas candidates have until noon Friday for file for county offices in the Aug. 7 primary.
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