Lawmakers announce major issues facing 2013 session
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Lawmakers announce major issues facing 2013 session

Date: January 9, 2013
By: Brendan Cullerton
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Missouri's legislature saw the final days of a state historic dynasty on the opening day of the General Assembly's annual session.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: What may be the last public official act of Robin Carnahan came as the Missouri Secretary of State presided over the House.

Actuality:  CARNA.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "It is my honor to hand over the emblem of authority, the gavel, to the temporary Speaker. For me, will be the last time."
 
Robin Carnahan's father, Mel Carnahan, served as Missouri Governor in the 90s.
 
After Mel Carnahan's death in a plane crash while campaigning for the U.S. Senate, his wife was appointed to fill the vacancy.
 
Carnahan served three terms as Secretary of State, but declined to run for reelection.

Her brother Russ is also leaving office after losing the Democratic primary for Missouri's first U.S. House District.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.

Intro: 
Missouri lawmaker's won't rule out expanding Medicaid, but say relying on a federal government that is already in debt is troubling.
RunTime:  0:35
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap:Republicans in the Missouri House and Senate both hold a veto-proof majority.

Although state Republicans have previously said no to expanding Medicaid, they have not ruled it out.

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey says the federal government's debt should be a sign that it can't afford to support Missouri's expansion.

Actuality:  DEMPSEY.WAV
Run Time:  00:04
Description: "The rhetoric does not meet the reality in my perspective."

House minority leader Jake Hummel says other states are taking the federal money for Medicaid expansion, so Missouri should also take advantage of it.

Reporting from the state Capital, I'm Brendan Cullerton.