Bill that would allow MSSU to take over Joplin Regional Center moves forward

A House bill authorizing Gov. Jay Nixon to convey the Joplin Regional Center property to Missouri Southern emerged from an executive session of the Corrections and Public Institutions committee with a Do Pass by Consent vote. The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R-Webb City) was reported in the Feb. 20 issue of The Chart. The Regional Center is located at 3600 Newman Road. The legislation was referred to the Rules committee on Tuesday.

Drinking could start earlier on Sundays

Certain charitable organizations could begin selling intoxicating liquor two hours earlier on Sundays if House Bill 132 passes. State Rep. Joe Fallert (D-Ste. Genevieve) sponsored the bill, which allows “certain charitable, fraternal, religious, service, or veterans’ organizations that are exempt from federal taxes and have or are qualified to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink …” The legislation was voted Do Pass by Consent on Wednesday by the Local Government committee. Fallert is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge.

Cunningham wants performance-based stipends for public school teachers

The Senate heard testimony Wednesday for a bill that would provide performance-based salary stipends for teachers. SB 42, sponsored by Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield), would allow educators to participate in the Teachers Choice Compensation Package if they chose to opt out of their permanent contract. Stipends would be offered in increments of $5,000 and up to $15,000, though the amount would not be able to exceed 50 percent of the teacher’s salary. A lump sum would then be delivered to the teacher in January after qualifying in October. Eligibility would be determined on several factors, including student scores, principal or administrator evaluations, parent evaluations and evaluations by students. The bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop model instruments for school districts to use.