Here are the top political and policy stories from Beyond November, a collaboration of the St. Louis Beacon, Nine Network and St. Louis Public Radio. At BeyondNovember.org you can find links to stories, video and audio files on politics, policy and election campaigns brought to you by St. Louis's public media.
Missouri General Assembly convenes with eye on taxes, education and roads
Leaders in both legislative chambers promised an ambitious agenda that includes the pursuit of tax cuts, a deep look at how the state’s higher education system is funded and an examination of how to revamp the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Read Jason Rosenbaum's report for the St. Louis Beacon.
Read Marshall Griffin's report for St. Louis Public Radio.
The Missouri Legislature by the numbers
The beginning of the Missouri General Assembly's 2013-2014 session brings in some new faces – and some familiar names – to the Missouri House and Senate. Here’s a by-the-numbers graphic look at how each legislative body stacks up for the next two years.
Read Jason Rosenbaum's report in the St. Louis Beacon.
Politically Speaking: Shakeup in the Missouri GOP
Ed Martin becomes the Missouri GOP's new chairman. How did it happen? Also, an update on the jockeying for Missouri's 8th Congressional seat. St. Louis Public Radio's Chris McDaniel joins the St. Louis Beacon's Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum to discuss the issues.
Luetkemeyer says he would back government shut down to spur budget cuts
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, says he’s prepared to shut down the federal government and block a debt-ceiling deal, if that’s what it takes to force President Barack Obama to accept dramatic budget cuts – especially in the entitlement programs.
Read Jo Mannies' report in the St. Louis Beacon.
Hospitals are big losers in fiscal cliff deal
The fiscal cliff deal includes a provision requiring lawmakers to take money from hospitals to shield doctors from a big drop in Medicare reimbursements. The loss in federal payments to hospitals could be particularly painful if Missouri refuses to expand its Medicaid program.
Read Bob Joiner's story in the St. Louis Beacon.
Missouri, Illinois education fare poorly on report card
StudentsFirst, a group started by education reformer Michelle Rhee, gave Missouri a D-minus and Illinois a D. No state scored an A, and 11 got an F.
Read Dale Singer's report for the St. Louis Beacon.
Politicians find their inner three year old
How are politicians like three year olds? Margaret Freivogel counts the ways, then concludes the comparison is unfair ... to three year olds.
Suggest all who want to prop up the great public school system in Missouri read this article (the St Louis Beacon). Critics of this report always try to dismantle the messengers, but offer no back-up. 2) Re: "Hospitals are big losers"- read this and see how Mr. Obama gets his medical cost savings--Yes --He just steals it from the Doctors Services. Pays them less and calls it "savings". Wow! I wish our Public School Boards would hire Obama for the next Teacher contracts.