Capitol Reporting Articles

Missouri politicians get around contribution limits by using PACs

Uniting Missouri, American Dream, Missouri Forward, Freedom’s Promise — these names paint a rosy picture of groups that stand for a better Missouri. But there is more to them than idealistic names. They are political action committees, vessels for millions of dollars funneled by special interests into Missouri’s elections. What none of these names conveys is that each has a direct connection to an elected official such as the governor, the lieutenant governor and various legislators.

Senate proposes bill that guarantees rights to victims of sexual violence

JEFFERSON CITY — Caitlin Ryan has been an ally for sexual assault victims since she was 11, when her childhood friend confided in her that she had been raped on a family vacation.

Senators begin battle over rewriting Clean Missouri.

JEFFERSON CITY — “If you loved Clean Missouri, you’ll love Cleaner Missouri,” Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, said Wednesday as the Senate kicked off a marathon debate on legislation that would ask voters to rewrite major parts of Clean Missouri.

Fears of racial profiling could stymy citizenship proposal

JEFFERSON CITY — “License and registration, please.”

Most people who have been pulled over have heard that phrase before. But a proposal in the Missouri Senate could add a third item to that familiar list — license, registration and proof of immigration status.

With funding scarce, school and city buses could merge under House bill

JEFFERSON CITY — Nine thousand K-12 students use Columbia Public Schools’ buses to get to and from classes every day.

But as bus drivers become scarcer and funding is tight, the district is looking for creative ways to move students, including utilizing public transportation.