Mary Elizabeth Coleman

Renewed bipartisan efforts to eliminate the sales tax on grocery food this legislative session have hit roadblocks.

The Arnold Republican is about to begin her first term as a senator for Missouri’s 22nd District. Some of her priorities include how education funding is distributed and eliminating the sales tax on food.

Republican state Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman’s proposed amendments would make it a crime to transport someone to receive an abortion, help pay for the procedure or instruct the person on ways to end a pregnancy. Abortion rights advocates say the measures are part of a larger trend of lawmakers in conservative states using unconventional legal methods to outlaw abortions.

Mary Elizabeth Coleman believes there’s no longer a need for abortion, since women no longer have to choose between motherhood and career.

State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, has filed a bill that would ban abortions when doctors have determined that a fetus has cardiac activity, which can occur as early as six weeks. The bill, modeled on a Texas law, also would allow private citizens to sue doctors or others who aid abortion seekers if they disobey the law.

Missouri Republicans say they plan to introduce more restrictive abortion legislation modeled on a Texas law that took effect this week. Abortion rights activists are gearing up for a tough battle in the Republican-controlled legislature.

The Federal Reimbursement Allowance Tax on health care providers will continue funding the state’s portion of Medicaid. The House also passed a bill Wednesday defunding Planned Parenthood, but its future is unclear.

The measure passed on party lines, with 103 Republicans voting in favor and 43 Democrats opposing the idea.

Voters approved the constitutional amendment in August, and now it's up to state lawmakers to implement it.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is taking on State Auditor Nicole Galloway in one of the only competitive gubernatorial races in the country. The Republican incumbent said he's ready for a full term as the state's chief executive.