Politics

Most Missourians support Medicaid expansion and believe the state government has a responsibility to ensure access to affordable health care, according to a new survey by the Missouri Foundation for Health.

What's particularly noteworthy about this survey is that a majority of the responders agreed this is a responsibility that must be met, even if it means raising taxes. 55 percent of responders say Missouri's state government must act to do so, while 34 percent say we can't afford it.

Updated with comments from Illinois officials. Amanda Vinicky contributed reporting from Springfield.

Illinois is the only state in the union that bans the concealed carrying of guns.

A ruling today from a federal appeals court may change all that.

Former Missouri Senator John Danforth appeared on NPR's Morning Edition this morning to discuss his experiences with past budget negotiations and what lessons can be used in discussions underway today.

• Here's Danforth speaking with NPR's Renee Montagne

If officials in Washington don't reach a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff," Missouri could see a hit to its economy and budget.

The Federal Funds Information for States estimates Missouri could lose $1 billion of Defense Department spending on contracts and military institutions if federal spending cuts take effect in the new year. The Washington-based organization estimates those automatic cuts also could result in a $125 million reduction in federal grants to state programs, such as public schools and early childhood programs.