Missouri and Kansas lawmakers wrap up their legislative sessions. Corn farmers are expecting record breaking crop. Missouri agriculture officials work to create a buzz about bees. It’s a roundup of daily headlines from KCUR.
Missouri Lawmakers Still Have A Few Hot Button Issues Left
Most of the big issues this legislative session were tied to the state budget, which has been passed and sent to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. That has many political pundits wondering if the last week of the 2012 session will be anticlimactic. Find out more about the few hot-button items left to fight over here.
Kansas Lawmakers Trim Public Broadcasting Budget
A proposal in the Legislature could mean less money for public broadcasting in Kansas. House leaders and the governor have proposed $600,000 for public television and radio stations, down from the current $1.5 million. The Senate had proposed essentially steady funding, with money targeted at literacy and educational development programs. But Senators have offered a compromise that would split the difference between the House and Senate positions.
Corn Springs Forward With Warm Temperatures
Across the Corn Belt, the planting season is off to a roaring start. And with farmers expected to put in more acres of corn than they have since the Great Depression, this fall’s harvest could be one for the record books. Learn more about this year’s corn crop here.
Missouri Agriculture Officials Buzzing About Bees
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is launching a new initiative to try to create some buzz about bees. Agriculture Director Jon Hagler says “The Great Missouri Buzz Off” aims to educate Missourians about bees and beekeeping. Read more about the role of bees in agriculture here.