MO Statehouse

Governor Jay Nixon (D) says more than 75 percent of the state has access to broadband Internet service.

The governor provided an update on the state’s efforts to expand access to rural portions of Missouri during today's second annual broadband summit, held in Jefferson City.  He told the audience of more than 300 business and government leaders that his broadband initiative has enabled small businesses and larger corporations across the state to compete for grants to expand broadband access.

A joint House-Senate committee in Jefferson City heard a proposal today for rebuilding Interstate Highway 70 in Missouri and turning it into a toll road. 

MoDOT Director Kevin Keith told the committee that charging tolls would provide the best opportunity to pay for rebuilding I-70.  But he acknowledges that it may not be an easy sell to lawmakers.

Attorney General Chris Koster (D) wants Missouri lawmakers to beef up state law regarding child sexual abuse, in light of the scandal currently surrounding Penn State University.

Koster says right now in Missouri, only teachers, doctors, clergy and certain other professions are required to report child sex abuse to the authorities.

The director of Missouri's Department of Economic Development is stepping down at the end of the year.

In a news release Tuesday from Gov. Jay Nixon, department director David Kerr cited a desire to spend more time with his family after working for 35 years in the public and private sectors. Nixon said he would move quickly to select a new director.

Kerr took office in November 2009.