By Ian McManus, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — State lawmakers met twice in the last week to hear college and university presidents state their cases for additional funding. Themes of dilapidated infrastructure and slowing growth dominated the conversations about future funding.
State and Regional News
Lawmakers show bipartisan support for bills restricting seclusion, restraint in schools
By Emily Wolf, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — There is no state law regulating seclusion and restraint in schools. A bipartisan effort is pushing to change that.
Reps. Dottie Bailey, R-Eureka, and Ian Mackey, D-St. Louis, have filed House Bill 1568 and House Bill 1569 to put rules in place on schools utilizing seclusion and restraint techniques on students. The legislation closely mirrors legislation Mackey proposed in the 2019 legislative session.
Grain Belt Express debate renews, transportation questions rise in committee hearing
By Emily Wolf, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — Two high-profile projects with national impact — the space age Hyperloop and the controversial Grain Belt Express — packed a hearing room during the first full week of the legislative session.
Governor's proposed budget targets education, workforce among funding priorities
By Emily Wolf, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — Higher education funding would remain flat and K-12 schools would see small increases under Gov. Mike Parson’s proposed 2021 budget.
Transportation, crime, workforce key areas for Parson; Democrats question priorities
By Madison McVan and Ashlyn O’Hara, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson focused on past achievements and future plans in the areas of workforce development and infrastructure improvements during his second State of the State address, delivered Wednesday afternoon to the Missouri General Assembly in the Capitol’s House chambers.