special session

Nixon, Mo. Lawmakers, Ready For 2013 Legislative Session

Marshall Griffin — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:35:00 +0000

Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City this week for the start of the 2013 regular session. So far it appears that this year’s dominating issue will be the expansion of Medicaid, which Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has called for and which Republican leaders in both chambers say won’t happen. St. Louis Public Radio’s Marshall Griffin takes a closer look at that looming battle and other issues facing Missouri lawmakers this year.

Medicaid Expansion

Morning headlines: Friday, August 17, 2012

Julie Bierach, Rachel Lippmann and The Associated Press — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:24:26 +0000

Illinois Gov. optimistic special session will be fruitful

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn called lawmakers back to Springfield, Ill. for the one-day session today to vote on changes to the state's retirement system, which is at least $83 billion in debt.

The two parties have been unable to come to an agreement on a solution. Quinn is pushing a plan opposed by Republicans that would shift the cost of some benefits to local school districts.

Quinn, however, says lawmakers will do the right thing in the end.

Morning headlines: Monday, August 13, 2012

Julie Bierach, The Associated Press, Illinois Public Radio and Tim Lloyd — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:04:47 +0000

Heading into special session, Ill. lawmakers remain divided on pensions

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has called for a special session on Friday to overhaul he state's pensions, even though Illinois lawmakers are still divided over the best way to do so.

There's an $83 billion gap in what the state has promised its employees they'll get when they retire, and what Illinois actually has in the bank.

2012 Missouri legislative session ends

Marshall Griffin — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:26:22 +0000

Missouri lawmakers have wrapped up the 2012 legislative session. They passed 115 bills this year, nearly 50 of them on the final day alone. But as St. Louis Public Radio’s Marshall Griffin tells us, several high-priority issues didn’t make it to the finish line.

Missouri legislative session heads into homestretch

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:25:57 +0000

Missouri lawmakers continue debating bills in the closing minutes of the 2012 regular session.

Among the bills passed so far today is one that would require legislative approval before a health care exchange can be created in Missouri. State Rep. Ryan Silvey (R, Kansas City) accused Governor Jay Nixon (D) of trying last year to create an exchange via executive order.