Missouri legislature

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has proposed deep cuts to art funding across the state as part of an austerity initiative emphasizing smaller government and fiscal discipline. Artists and arts advocates say their cultural contributions help drive economic investment.

Critics say the mission of the foundation is vague, leaving questions about how taxpayer dollars will be used. Half the funding for the foundation draws from the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF.

The bill contains many provisions, including expanding the no-excuse absentee voting period.

Following a rocky end to last year’s legislative session, Democrats are looking to slow things down, while Republicans push to pass Gov. Mike Kehoe’s state income tax cuts. Political reporter Jason Hancock spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about the slow start and early dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly.

Legislation that legalizes and regulates the video gambling machines, often found in gas stations, passed the Missouri House last year but did not make it through the Senate. People under the age of 21 would be barred from playing.

If passed by voters, a proposed constitutional amendment would allow Missouri's legislature to expand state and local sales and use taxes, while eliminating the state income tax. The AARP and Democratic lawmakers said that would shift more of the cost on seniors and low-income residents.

Senate Republicans planned to protest recent rulings by the Missouri Supreme Court.

Following hours of testimony last week, a Missouri House committee on approved bills that would cement the state's restrictions on transgender athletes and health care for transgender minors.

House Majority Leader Alex Riley will likely become Missouri’s speaker of the House after next year’s elections. But before then, he's responsible for shepherding Republican priorities like eliminating the state income tax.

Missouri arts and humanities leaders say Gov. Mike Kehoe's proposed budget for the arts would hurt programs across the state — including festivals, performances and museums like the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Under the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services." But Patterson said that will be amended to prevent more taxes on fill-ups.

Missouri Republican lawmakers pushed through the bill last year in response to the campaign for an abortion rights amendment, and to protect against lawsuits over abortion restrictions still on the books.