NewsBook: Missouri Government News for December 2, 2002

 

. Cardinals stadium project on the the agenda for transportation department meeting (12/05/02)
JEFFERSON CITY - Stadium construction means tearing up a Highway 40 on-ramp in downtown St. Louis. A Missouri Department of Transportation spokesman says costs are planned into economic development budget.

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    . Officials change plan for tobacco bonds (12/05/02)
    JEFFERSON CITY - The state's plan to effectively mortgage the 1998 tobacco settlement for some quick cash is still on hold. At a meeting Thursday, the Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority was told the state could save money by selling the bonds through the state Board of Public Buildings.

    By pursuing this "hybrid" plan, the state could save $100 million to $150 million over the expected 20-year life of the bonds, said Jim Carder of the state division of accounting. The bonds could be ready by February or March, Carder said.

    . Single-Rate Income Tax Proposed (12/03/02)
    JEFFERSON CITY - Senator Michael R. Gibbons has prefiled legislation to replace Missouri's current income tax system with a single-rate tax. The state of Missouri presently imposes a broad-based income tax. A broad-based income tax imposes greater taxes on those with higher incomes and lower taxes on those with lower incomes. If the single-rate tax is approved all individual incomes will be taxed 4 percent.

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    . Herbicide use linked to falling sperm counts in mid-Missouri(12/02/02)
    JEFFERSON CITY - Three and a half million pounds of a herbicide that has been shown to "de-sex" male frogs is sprayed on Missouri corn every year.

    With a recent study showing mid-Missouri men have much fewer sperm than their urban counter parts, the question now is: are they being "de-sexed" as well?

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    . Tax increases wouldn't dent budget shortfall (12/02/02)
    JEFFERSON CITY - The legislature is prohibited from raising taxes more than $75 million without voter approval. With a half billion dollar budget deficit looming, that means steep spending cuts lie ahead.

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    . Ninety new State Representatives begin navigating through the Capitol (12/02/02)
    JEFFERSON CITY - With the next legislative session approaching, 90 freshman legislators head to the Capitol to learn their way around.
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