By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Senate on Wednesday gave initial approval to Governor Matt Blunt's plan to revamp the First Steps program.
First Steps serves about 8,000 developmentally disabled infants and toddlers.
Blunt originally called for its elimination. But after protests from parents, he presented this new plan to keep it intact.
The legislation would require some families to pay a monthly participation fee. It would also require insurance companies to cover First Steps services like speech and physical therapy.
The plan needs another vote in the Senate before moving to the House.