The Associated Press

Missouri budget officials say higher collections of sales and income taxes helped fuel a 6.2 percent increase in state revenue through the first eight months of the fiscal year.

The Office of Administration reported Thursday that:

Updating you on a story about the first vote yesterday, the Missouri House has, with their second vote today, approved legislation to allow for a tax amnesty period.

Delinquent Missouri taxpayers would get a chance to pay off their debts without owing penalties or interest under the legislation.

Missouri House members have endorsed legislation to offer amnesty to delinquent taxpayers.

The measure would waive interest and penalties for those who pay their tax bills between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31. Supporters estimate the measure could bring in as much as $74 million to the state. Plus, they say it would give individuals and companies an opportunity to wipe their slate clean.

The legislation gained first-round approval Wednesday and needs another vote before moving to the Senate.

Some Missouri lawmakers say the state should do away with its tenure system for teachers and make students' academic performance a big part of their evaluations.

A House panel heard testimony Wednesday on legislation that would require 50 percent of a teacher's evaluation to be based on students' scores on state tests. Teachers would not be guaranteed salary increases based on their classroom experience. The changes would take effect in July 2012.

Flags are being lowered in Missouri for the last surviving American to serve in World War I.

Missouri native Frank Buckles died Sunday at the age of 110 at his farm in West Virginia. He was born in the Harrison County town of Bethany and also lived as a child in Vernon County.

Buckles lied about his age to enlist in the Army and served during the war in England and France.