Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, fulfilled a promise to make urban education a priority by calling attention to the "crisis" in the Kansas City and St. Louis school districts.

It would also require the Highway Patrol to preserve all future DNA evidence used in criminal convictions.

House Republicans, along with a handful of Democrats, voted down the governor's plan to use some of the tobacco settlement money to balance the state's budget during the current fiscal year.

The measure was prompted by the death of a St. Louis area child last year.

The bill would impact future inaugurations.

In previous years, the House has passed .08 only to see the bill die in the Senate.

The House passed .08 last week.

The Senate's version of the bill still faces final approval.

The stadium will cost around $370 million.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said forcing low prices on drugs for seniors, as proposed by House Republicans, would impede research by imposing additional price controls on pharmeuctical companies.

Klarich's bill proposes a taxi cab commission for the entire metro area that would make taxi rates and quality more consistent.

Supporters of the plan say this is the best -- and cheapest -- way the state can help improve schools.

Not only were groups gathering in and around the capitol for Total Transportation Day, but hearings on five seperate transportation bills took place in front Senate Transportation Committee.

In order to hire more inspectors, they have proposed adding $1 to the cost of all dogs purchased at pet stores.

Goode said funds to continue Capitol restoration had already been appropriated.