Economy

It’s said that one of the certainties in life is taxes.  However, taxes for 2012 are to some degree, uncertain because of ongoing negotiations over the so-called fiscal cliff.

Host Don Marsh talked with tax expert Lance Weiss, C.P.A., of SFW Partners, LLC about end-of-year tax preparations and what can be done to minimize the amount owed on federal and state income tax returns due in April.

Missouri’s economy is expected to grow next year, according to the annual revenue estimate released Tuesday by the Governor’s office and key legislative leaders.

Democratic Governor Jay Nixon, along with GOP Budget chairs Rick Stream from the House and Kurt Schaefer from the Senate, say that the state’s economy will grow by just over 3 percent during the next fiscal year.  The economic growth rate is actually estimated to be 4.8 percent – but the loss of one-time revenue sources from Washington and other factors lower it to the 3 percent net rate.

Illinois politicians and business leaders met in Alton on Monday to discuss ongoing efforts to keep shipping open on the drought-stricken Mississippi River.

The meeting coincides with work by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove rock formations from the riverbed just south of Cape Girardeau.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin called the drought situation “a historic challenge," saying that additional measures may have to be taken to keep commerce functioning.