Top Of The Morning News: February 12, 2013

A bill being considered by the Kansas legislature would bar local governments from using tax money on lobbying.  Missouri Governor Jay Nixon calls for more money for the state’s 30 drug taskforces.  Missouri lawmakers are looking at a bill that would redefine workplace discrimination.

Bill Would Bar Using Tax Dollars to Lobby

A controversial bill in the Kansas Legislature would bar local governments or public entities from spending tax dollars on lobbying. That would affect the abilities of cities, counties and universities to support or oppose legislation.   Read more about the debate over the bill here.

Nixon Calls For More State Money For Drug Taskforces

Speaking at the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Monday, Governor Jay Nixon says it’s important to keep the state’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces on the front lines.  Nixon’s proposed budget includes $3 million for these agencies to restore a decline in federal funding.

Bill Would Redefine Workplace Discrimination

A Missouri statehouse committee heard testimony Monday on a bill that would redefine what constitutes workplace discrimination. If passed, workplace discrimination would have to be a motivating factor, not just a contributing one, in any wrongful action taken against a worker by an employer, which is the current federal standard.