MO Statehouse

Governor Jay Nixon signed legislation today reauthorizing the state's prescription drug assistance program for low-income seniors for three more years.

Missouri Rx pays half of the cost of prescription drugs, including co-pays and deductibles, for eligible seniors. It's designed to cover the gap in Medicare prescription drug benefits known as the donut hole.

The governor says the program will still be needed even as President Obama phases in his overhaul of the health care system.

Governor Jay Nixon (D) has signed Missouri’s $23 billion budget for the next fiscal year into law – but he’s also slashed $172 million from the spending plan that takes effect July first.

Nixon says the cuts are needed not only to keep the state budget balanced, but to also help cover storm damage costs.

Updated 6:20 am Friday to correct layoff number.

Wednesday’s vote by state highway commissioners to downsize the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is meeting with criticism from the state’s leading agricultural lobby.

Missouri Farm Bureau officials say the 30-day notice given to the public about the plan was too short to allow for a full examination and for citizen comments.