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2003 Business Stories

• 12/15/2003: Newspaper Story - A prefiled bill for the 2004 legislative session has proposed a stamp tax on illegal drugs bought and sold in the state of Missouri.
• 12/11/2003: Radio Story - Former Public Service Commission chairman Kelvin Simmons will take over Missouri's Department of Economic Development after long-time director Joe Driskill resigned amid investigations into fraud in a tax credit program overseen by the department.
• 12/ 9/2003: Radio Story - A Republican-led legislature decided to block a rule by Gov. Bob Holden, which would allow workers to bargain over fair share.
• 12/ 9/2003: Radio Story - The state is denying the unemployment claims of more than 6,000 workers involved in October's strike and lockouts.
• 12/ 8/2003: Newspaper Story - The Missouri Department of Economic Development reacted immediately to information that one of its tax credit programs was being defrauded, director Joe Driskill said. Allegations that the department reacted slowly are inaccurate, he said.
• 12/ 5/2003: Radio Story - Governor Holden issued an executive order that would make union and non-union members pay union service fees. The legislature's joint committee on administrative rules will decide December 8th whether or not to block this rule.
• 12/ 5/2003: Newspaper Story - State officials say they'll have less money for hazardous waste cleanup and enforcement activities unless legislators extend the collection fees that support them. And with fewer funds available for individual state efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency may have to assume a greater role in the activities.
• 11/20/2003: Radio Story - State Senator Jim Mathewson, D-Sedalia, has announced a plan to give the state power to regulate medical malpractice insurance rates.
• 11/17/2003: Newspaper Story - Some Missouri vehicle owners are driving down state revenue because they are not paying sales taxes, Revenue Director Carol Fisher said. Drivers who steal license plates or drive with expired tags have cost the state about $90 million. The Revenue Department has raised the possibility of requiring sales taxes for vehicles be paid at the time of purchase, which would alleviate the debt from those who buy their vehicles from dealerships, Fisher said.
• 11/14/2003: Newspaper Story - It's just the trees' natural defense that's caused a boring Missouri fall, according to the state's conservation department.
• 11/13/2003: Radio Story - Missouri is one of five states that aren't spending any of the money they recieve from tobacco companies on smoking prevention programs.
• 11/12/2003: Newspaper Story - The Missouri Attorney General's office announced Wednesday that it is investigating tax credit fraud of a program run by the state Department of Economic Development. The program offers tax credits to businesses for computer equipment. It seeks to attract high-tech businesses to poor areas. "Phantom businesses" have allegedly abused the system. "We were not asleep at the switch," director of economic development Joe Driskill said.
• 11/ 6/2003: Radio Story - A newly marketed device promises to allow drivers to change traffic lights from red to green, just like emergency vehicles do when responding to a call.
• 11/ 4/2003: Newspaper Story - While MoDOT officials continue to prioritize within tight financial constraints, one group is calling for better oversight of its operations, as well as more input from the commission that oversees it.
• 11/ 4/2003: Radio Story - After more than eight months of study, an independent expert panel submitted its recommendations to MoDOT for how the department can cure its ills.
• 11/ 4/2003: Radio Story - State Auditor Claire McCaskill reports that state agencies are not contracting enough minority and women-owned businesses. The audit also found that the Office of Administration is over reporting its programs progress.
• 10/30/2003: Radio Story - The independent blue ribbon panel says the state doesn't have the money to pay for needed improvments any other way.
• 10/29/2003: Newspaper Story - About 1.4 million Missourians may soon receive their health insurance from the country's newest and largest managed care company.
• 10/29/2003: Newspaper Story - Missouri's tax laws have not kept up with its economy. While state businesses are increasingly service-oriented, the tax code remains based on manufacturing industry. The result is a service industry that remains largely untaxed.
• 10/28/2003: Radio Story - The Public Service Commission is seeking public comment on a proposal by AmerenUE to raise rates by more than $26 million.
• 10/27/2003: Newspaper Story - Missouri state agencies are not involving women and minorities as required by a 1998 executive order, a state auditor report states. Businesses owned by women and minorities are supposed to get a certain share of purchases of goods and services of the state and in public works contracts.
• 10/17/2003: Newspaper Story - Federal statistics may suggest that Missouri has become a less safe place to work. The state reported a 21% rise in fatal work injuries, and ranked ninth nationally for total cases.
• 10/16/2003: Newspaper Story - Matt Blunt delivered a message to the Mo. Chamber of Commerce framing what looks like will be his gubernatorial campaign platform.
• 10/14/2003: Radio Story - The latest candidate is the fourth Republican to enter the race, and he promises to create jobs by investing the state's assets in Missouri.
• 10/14/2003: Radio Story - U.S. Census Bureau reports more Missourians, especially young men, are without health insurance. But the state's industrial base is keeping the number of uninsured Missourians below the national average.
• 10/14/2003: Newspaper Story - One in 73 Missouri households filed for some kind of bankruptcy protection last year. While some people seek solutions, others look for the reasons why.
• 10/ 9/2003: Radio Story - The American Bankruptcy Institute says Missouri rose to the top of bankruptcy rates in the nation this year.
• 10/ 7/2003: Newspaper Story - Missouri state penitentiary redevelopment project master plan
• 10/ 7/2003: Radio Story - MoDOT is delaying the release of a report that faults the department's leadership.
• 9/30/2003: Radio Story - Amtrak unions say they plan to strike Friday if more funding is not pledged.
• 9/25/2003: Radio Story - State auditors say that weigh stations with predictable hours promote truckers to break the law.
• 9/23/2003: Radio Story - Some telemarketing firms say the restrictions will actually help their business.
• 9/23/2003: Newspaper Story - Doctors groups concerned about rising malpractice insurance premiums are demanding.
• 9/23/2003: Radio Story - Officals say the Missouri Art Council has lost all funds and will close in two years without new funding.
• 9/18/2003: Radio Story - Illinois and California are trying to import drugs from Canada for state employees and Medicade recipients
• 9/11/2003: Radio Story - Doctors lobbying the Senate couldn't get lawmakers to override Holden's veto of the malpractice reform bill.
• 9/11/2003: Radio Story - Holden's plan to increase funding for education defeated in Senate committee
• 9/ 9/2003: Radio Story - GOP leaders say they'll try to force through a bill putting new limits on every type of civil suit.
• 9/ 9/2003: Radio Story - Republican leaders are hoping to overturn as many as seven of Gov. Holden's vetos.
• 9/ 8/2003: Newspaper Story - Both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly convened at noon today in the State Capitol. Only a few bills were introduced.
• 9/ 8/2003: Newspaper Story - Gov. Holden has proposed eliminating the so-called "Geoffrey Loophole," which allows some corporations doing business in Missouri to not pay income taxes. Republicans say Holden will drive away business.
• 9/ 4/2003: Radio Story - The State Chamber of Commerce is launching an effort against Governor Holden's latest tax proposal.
• 8/29/2003: Newspaper Story - A new Missouri law takes effect designed to give computer users some control over unwanted commercial e-mail called spam.
• 8/28/2003: Radio Story - A new Missouri law takes effect giving computer users a new tool to fight spam.
• 7/ 1/2003: Radio Story - Department director Joe Driskill says more people are going back to work and businesses are returning to profitability.
• 5/17/2003: Newspaper Story - Despite losing some key bills on their agenda, business groups said they are satisfied with the turnout of the first Republican Legislature in more than fifty years.
• 5/ 9/2003: Newspaper Story - Legislation pushed by Missouri businesses is on the Republican leadership's agenda as the legislature heads into its last week. Lawmakers return Monday for a five-day marathon, which ends with the close of the session at 6 p.m. Friday.
• 4/30/2003: Newspaper Story - The Senate rejected proposed increase's in Missouri's sales and corporate income tax laws, before agreeing on a plan to raise $122 million in new revenue
• 4/29/2003: Newspaper Story - House passes bill to extend alcohol sale times on sunday.
• 4/28/2003: Radio Story - In exchange for the incentives, Ford would be required to invest $500 million in the state.
• 4/25/2003: Newspaper Story - The senate debated a bill thursday that would restrict workers' compensation. Some it would improve Missouri's business climate, while others say it would keep some injured workers from receiving benefits.
• 4/17/2003: Radio Story - Bill sponsor says investor confidence is low, and needs to be regained
• 4/17/2003: Radio Story - If bill is approved by Governor, Missouri would lead nation in this kind of legislation
• 4/17/2003: Radio Story - Fraudulent dealers could be fined up to one million dollars
• 4/17/2003: Newspaper Story - While some telecommunications companies await action by the Federal Communication Commission, the House passed a meaure Thursday deregulating high-speed Internet access provided by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SBC).
• 4/17/2003: Radio Story - The Senate unanimously passed a bill that gives the Hazelwood Ford plant tax breaks. The bill was passed in hopes that the plant will now be able to remain open.
• 4/15/2003: Newspaper Story - Missouri lost more jobs last year than any other state, a statistic that the Missouri Chamber of Commerce said is cause for a state of emergency. But some say other economic indicators show Missouri's economy is not a cause for concern.
• 4/15/2003: Radio Story - Last year, Missouri lost more jobs than other state in the country.
• 4/15/2003: Radio Story - Chambers of Commerce representatives say Missouri lost almost 78,000 jobs last year
• 4/15/2003: Radio Story - State official says the state lost 78,000 jobs
• 4/15/2003: Radio Story - Missouri lost more jobs than any other state in the nation, according to Chambers of Commerce
• 4/ 1/2003: Radio Story - Bars and truck stops machines would generate revenue for higher ed
• 4/ 1/2003: Radio Story - If the bill passes the full senate, video gambling machines will be placed in Missouri businesses as a method of generating revenue.
• 4/ 1/2003: Newspaper Story - The senate Ways and Means Committee passed a bill that would allow video gambling machines to operate in secured establishments such as bars and truck stops. Revenue from the machines would be placed into a trust fund for higher education.
• 3/19/2003: Newspaper Story - Analysis: Online Sales Erode State Revenues
• 3/17/2003: Newspaper Story - War Clouds Obscure Missouri's Budget, Economic Outlook
• 3/11/2003: Radio Story - Businesses who continue to send junk e-mail to list members could face heavy fines
• 3/11/2003: Radio Story - Lawmakers in the House approved a bill that would create a no spam list for those who want to free their inboxes of unwanted commercial emails.
• 3/11/2003: Radio Story - The Missouri House voted to protect email recipients from unwanted spam in their inboxes.
• 3/11/2003: Newspaper Story - Missouri's House gives first found approval to an anti-spam bill.
• 3/11/2003: Radio Story - A proposed sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping gets first round approval from the Missouri Senate.
• 3/ 6/2003: Newspaper Story - Stopping kids from getting beer is the primary motivation cited by the sponsor of legislation to impose registration requirements on beer kegs. Rep. Cathy Jolly, D-Kansas City, is sponsoring a bill that would require registration of kegs when sold for off-premise consumption.
• 2/20/2003: Newspaper Story - Lawmakers and businesses owners are blaming high workers' compensation costs for job loss, but some say restricting workers' compensation claims will only hurt workers.
• 2/12/2003: Newspaper Story - The Missouri House will consider a bill placing penalties on spam e-mail. The bill includes an exemption for state-licensed businesses.
• 2/11/2003: Newspaper Story - Internet service providers urged lawmakers to reject a plan that would exempt Southwestern Bell's Internet service from state regulation.
• 2/ 6/2003: Newspaper Story - The state Department of Insurance released a plan Thursday to reform the state's medical malpractice industry.
• 2/ 5/2003: Radio Story - Republicans in the house and senate sponsor a bill that would make the marketplace safer for small investors.
• 2/ 4/2003: Radio Story - Current exemptions for federally regulated businesses and home-based companies would be a thing of the past under new legislation.
• 2/ 4/2003: Newspaper Story - Proposed changes to Missouri's no-call law was reviewed by the House Commerce, Energy and Technology Committee
• 2/ 4/2003: Newspaper Story - Lawmakers are taking measures to reduce health insurance costs by looking into which state mandates should be kept, omitted or changed.
• 1/29/2003: Radio Story - Doctors and malpractice victims lobbyied lawmakers over limits on lawsuit awards.