Marshall Griffin

After threatening resignation if key bills failed, Grisamore now says he's staying put

Marshall Griffin — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:20:03 +0000

A Missouri lawmaker who threatened to resign unless one or both of his key bills survived the last day of the 2013 legislative session is staying put, even though both bills failed to make it out by Friday's deadline.

State Representative Jeff Grisamore (R, Lee's Summit) said his resignation threat was based on frustration with the Senate's inaction on the bills -- Alan Freeman is stepping down as Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services, after only five months on the job.

Last December, Freeman left his job as President and CEO of Grace Hill Health Centers in St.

Curtain falls On Missouri's 2013 legislative session

Marshall Griffin — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:46:18 +0000

Missouri's legislative session has ended, with several issues resolved and several more that came up just short. St. Louis Public Radio's Marshall Griffin takes a closer look at the final day, and at what happens now:

2013 Mo.

Assembly sends second injury fund fix/workers' comp bill to Nixon

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:05:42 +0000

Legislation that would revive Missouri's ailing Second Injury Fund and seek to reduce the number of occupational disease lawsuits was passed Thursday by the Missouri House.

Bill sent to Mo. Gov. Nixon would cap lead contamination punitive damages

Marshall Griffin — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:10:30 +0000

One of two bills that would limit punitive damages in lead contamination cases is on its way to Governor Jay Nixon (D).

The provision is designed to protect Doe Run Resources Corporation from being inundated with lawsuits. The company purchased old lead mining sites in St.

Liquor Franchise Legislation Stalls In Missouri Senate

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:48 +0000

Legislation to redefine the relationship between liquor distributors, wholesalers and retailers has stalled in the Missouri Senate.

The bill has been filed each year since a 2011 ruling by a federal judge that redefined the meaning of the word "franchise." Supporters say it'll protect Missouri companies from out-of-state competitors, while opponents argue that it'll primarily benefit St.

Group of Republicans block 1-cent transportation sales tax in Mo. Senate

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:47 +0000

A group of Republicans in the Missouri Senate has blocked a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a one-cent sales tax to help fund the state’s transportation needs.

The tax would require voter approval and would expire after 10 years unless voters renew it.

Final version of workers' comp/second injury fund fix passes Mo. Senate, heads to House

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:46 +0000

Early this morning, the Missouri Senate passed legislation that would fix the state's ailing Second Injury Fund.

The fund is designed to help disabled workers who suffer a second work-related injury. It began running out of money after lawmakers eight years ago capped the surcharge businesses have to pay into it.

Nixon vetoes bill that would eliminate tax break for elderly renters

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:44 +0000

Governor Jay Nixon (D) has vetoed legislation that would eliminate a tax credit for elderly Missourians who rent their homes.

House and Senate Republicans voted to do away with the so-called "Senior Citizens Circuit Breaker" as a means of shoring up funding for the First Steps program, which aids children with developmental disabilities. In his veto letter, Nixon voiced disapproval of using money designated for seniors for other purposes, and stated that the bill contained no t

Mo. lawmakers pass farm constitutional amendment

Marshall Griffin — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:42:45 +0000

The Missouri House and Senate have passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee farmers and ranchers the right to farm and ranch using "modern methods."