Almitra Smith

Hi, I'm Almitra Smith.

I am 28 years old, and this is my second semester covering the statehouse for KMOX and KBIA. During the 2003-2004 legislative session I mainly covered the House. I enjoy covering high-profile spot news on legislation such as Medicaid and Amendment 2. However, I have just as much fun writing longer human interest scripts that capture the effects legislation has on the individual. I am a junior at the University of Missouri - Columbia. Two of my favorite activities are dancing and hiking.

Stories by Almitra Smith include:

5/13/2004: Radio Story - We take a closer look at the issues involved in changing Medicaid, and through one woman's experience see how those issues affect the people Medicaid serves.

5/ 4/2004: Radio Story - Some Democrats say Missouri schools won't see the 4.7 percent increase over last year, even though it's more than the Democratic Governor Bob Holden recommended. Republican House Budget Chairman, Carl Bearden says they are playing politics.

4/29/2004: Radio Story - Missourians over 21 would no longer have to wear a motorcycle helmet under bill passed by the House.

4/ 1/2004: Radio Story - Under the bill, unspecified medicaid programs, which currently expand to fund all who are eligible, would have set budgets. Advocates say the change is needed to keep medicaid going.

3/18/2004: Radio Story - State and private foster care agencies would be required to ask applicants if they are having sex out of wedlock. One Democrate says the bill may be aimed at same-sex couples.

3/11/2004: Radio Story - The bill would give the Department of Economic Development the ability to give grants to businesses making products out of old tires.

3/ 9/2004: Radio Story - Whitey Herzog testifies in favor of a bill that would allow physical therapists to treat dogs. Currently a veterinarian must be present while a physical therapist works.

3/ 4/2004: Radio Story - With House Speaker Catherine Hanaway showing her support, Representative Roy Holand unveiled a new bill prohibiting vaccines containing mercury from being given to children under eight. He says mercury has been linked to autism.

3/ 2/2004: Radio Story - Missouri's House begins debate on limiting liability lawsuit awards.

2/26/2004: Radio Story - Governor Bob Holden vetoes legislation that would have blocked his order requiring all state workers to pay union dues, opening the way for his order to take effect, but Secretary of State Matt Blunt says he will block the order.

2/24/2004: Radio Story - A bill to ban adult entertainment advertisements on Missouri highways moves through the House of Representatives.

2/19/2004: Radio Story - The House is debating whether to issue bonds to bail out the state's bankrupt unemployment fund.

2/12/2004: Radio Story - Republican House Speaker Catherine Hanaway announced a proposal to limit administrative spending to ten percent of a school's budget.

2/10/2004: Radio Story - The fight over Southwest Missouri State University's name change moves over to the the house today, but the fate of the change is still in question.

2/ 3/2004: Radio Story - Sen. Ken Jacob continues to fillibuster over proposed SMSU name change.

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