The Associated Press

Missouri Lawmakers Give Final Approval to Federally Funded Jobless Payments

Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to a bill renewing federally funded jobless payments for thousands of people who lost their benefits because of a protest against federal spending by several Republican state senators. The House voted 138-13 Tuesday to send the legislation to Gov. Jay Nixon.

Sen. Claire McCaskill reports raising more than $1 million for her re-election campaign in the first quarter in 2011, a strong showing for the first-term incumbent.

The Missouri Democrat's campaign released the numbers on Tuesday. Candidates are required to submit their fundraising reports to the Federal Election Commission by April 15.

McCaskill raised $1.05 million in 2011. Her campaign also reported that she had nearly $1.8 million cash on hand.

Thousands of low-income parents would see their state child-care subsidies reduced under a budget plan passed by a Missouri Senate committee.

The plan approved Tuesday would reduce monthly child-care subsidies for about 6,600 children while extending benefits to an estimated 570 children whose parents currently earn too much to qualify.

Reporting from Illinois Public Radio's Amanda Vinicky added to this report at 5:29 p.m. April 12, 2011.

Gov. Pat Quinn is taking his push for workers' compensation reform to Illinois business leaders.

Participants in Business Lobby Day in Springfield applauded the Democrat when he called for fixing a system critics say costs employers too much and is driving them from the state.

Missouri Senate to Debate Marquee Issues Today

Missouri Senate leaders plan to debate legislation redrawing Missouri's congressional districts and allowing utilities to charge electric customers for some costs of developing a second nuclear power plant in the state. Both bills are likely to generate significant discussion.