Wrap: House Speaker Tim Jones from Eureka says he thinks federal Medicaid expasion is optional for states. He says Missouri should look toward reform instead, similiar to the steps being taken in states like Wisconsin.

Committees in both the House and Senate have struck down Democratic proposals to add Medicaid expansion into next year's budget.

Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has spent most of the year touting the benefits of expanding Medicaid, in spite of Republicans moving to neutralize it.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar.

Wrap: Heading into their spring break, Missouri lawmakers have landed two bills on the governor's desk this week.

House Speaker Tim Jones from Eureka says his chamber has accomplished two key goals in the first three months of session with legislation that would give tax credits to charities and for amateur sports tournaments.

Jones says the House and Senate have been largely united on all priorities this session.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar.

Wrap: After sending two bills to the governor's desk this week, the first half of this year's legislative session has come to a close.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Dempsey, of St. Charles, says his chamber has been able to move forward on nine bills that he says are a major priority for the Senate.

Dempsey says the Senate's goals for the rest of the session are to spur employment, increase personal income for Missourians, and grow the state's economy.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar.