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Included in the budget is a 3.2% pay increase for state workers, money to fully fund school transportation and funds to improve Interstate 44. However, the House version of the budget is about $2 billion less than Gov. Mike Parson requested for the upcoming fiscal year.
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The Senate still could include the increase when considering its version of the budget.
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The annual state budget and a tax that funds the bulk of Missouri’s Medicaid program are two things that must pass this session.
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Currently, school bus drivers 70 and older are required to take the school bus portion of the driver’s license exam annually for renewal. The bill passed Thursday would raise that age to 77.
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The legislation also repeals the prohibition on the concealed carrying of firearms in places of worship and lowers the age requirement for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18.
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Other recommendations by the committee included an exemption of the earnings tax for low-income workers as well as reimbursements for remote workers.
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State Rep. Peter Merideth, a Democrat whose district includes Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, said legislation including red flag laws and raising the age to buy a gun to 21 would help prevent shootings like the one that occurred at the school nearly a year ago.
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Despite the Missouri House voting to overturn multiple budget vetoes, the Senate did not take any further action, leaving those vetoes intact.
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Gov. Mike Parson vetoed roughly 200 line items in the Missouri budget, primarily contending that he wanted to prevent financial difficulties in future years.
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The ordinance would stop the open carry of firearms without a concealed carry permit. A similar proposal, which would have barred minors from carrying a firearm in public without adult supervision, failed to gain ground in the state legislature this year.