Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) is optimistic about a Senate proposal to six-lane I-70 across Missouri being included in the final budget. The budget must be approved by Friday, under the state Constitution. Senator Rowden tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that six-laning I-70 is a generational thing and is much needed. He also confirms that U.S. House Transportation Committee chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) will try to obtain some federal money for the I-70 project in Missouri. Rowden notes I-70 is a main artery for truckers and other motorists heading across the country. Senator Rowden also tells listeners that sports wagering is unlikely to pass this session:
(AUDIO): Missouri sports wagering legislation hearing set for this evening
A Missouri House committee will hear testimony Wednesday evening in Jefferson City on legislation to legalize sports wagering.
The bipartisan bill is sponsored by veteran State Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters), a senior member of the House in the term limits era.
“That used to be a novel idea, but almost every other state has done it at this point. I’ve been filing it for four or five years now,” Rep. Christofanelli says.
Representative Christofanelli spoke recently on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” He wants the controversial issue of slot machines addressed separately.
“I like to take one issue at a time and try to get something done for the people back home,” says Christofanelli.
The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee will hear House Bill 581 at 5 pm. Bill opponents include State Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville), who worries about the impact of gambling addiction. Christofanelli tells listeners that people like sports wagering and that it’s good for the state and good for consumers.
Click here to listen to the January 5, 2023 “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” interview with Representative Christofanelli.
(AUDIO): Sportsradar’s Brandt Iden discusses Missouri sports wagering legislation on “Wake Up Columbia”
The controversial issue of slot machines is the main obstacle preventing sports wagering legislation from passing at the Missouri Capitol. A judge in Platte County has declared the machines illegal, and the issue could end up at the Missouri Supreme Court in the future. Supporters of sports wagering say it would bring an additional $10-million …