MO Statehouse

Missouri House leaders have confirmed they’re returning to Jefferson City next week to resume the special legislative session -- but their return doesn’t mean that there’s been any breakthrough on an economic development deal.

The special session ground to a halt last week because House and Senate leaders could not agree on whether to place expiration dates, or sunsets, on historic preservation and low-income housing tax credits, or on how much oversight Governor Jay Nixon’s (D) Economic Development department should have over some incentives.

A state legislative committee heard testimony today on what options should be considered for students enrolled at unaccredited schools in Missouri.  It’s part of another effort to address a recent State Supreme Court ruling.

Turner v. Clayton affirmed that students not only have the right to transfer away from an unaccredited school district, but that the failing district has to pick up the tab.  State and local officials fear it could lead to a mass exodus from schools in St. Louis, Kansas City and Riverview Gardens.

Missouri appears ready to hold its presidential primary in February - a move that trigger more confusion in the 2012 election calendar and prompt other states to elbow to the front of the campaign line.

Rules set by the Republican and Democratic parties dictate that only Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada should hold contests in February; all other states are supposed to wait until March or later. National party leaders have threatened to reduce the national convention delegates for any states that jump the line.