Top Of The Morning News: January 23, 2013

Anti-abortion advocates gather on the grounds of the Statehouse in Topeka to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.  A bill in the Missouri House would restore tax credits for food pantries and some other groups.  The Missouri House fast-tracks a bill to fill vacancies in statewide offices.

More than 1,000 Advocates Gather for Anti-Abortion Rally

More than 1,000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka to mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the country.  The event is one of the largest yearly rallies held on the capitol grounds.  Speakers noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision.  Read more here.

Bill Would Restore Tax Credits For Food Pantries

A bill that would revive three benevolent tax credits in Missouri is being considered by a State House committee.  Tax breaks for food pantries, pregnancy resource centers and the Children in Crisis program all expired last year when lawmakers failed to pass any type of tax credit reform package.   Learn more about what else is covered here.

Missouri House Advances Bill To Fill Vacancies

The Missouri House has given first-round approval to a bill that would require special elections to fill vacancies in statewide offices.   If passed, the bill would only allow the governor to appoint a temporary placeholder who would not be eligible to run in the special election.  Read about why some Democrats are objecting to the proposal here.