http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-972766.mp3
Jefferson City, MO – Jason Parrott's guest is Republican State Senator Brian Munzlinger of Lewis County. They talk about the recently-completed spring session of the Missouri Legislature.
Munzlinger says northeast Missouri fared "pretty good" in Jefferson City this year.
He says 2011 was a typical year as some issues were settled while others were left for next time.
Munzlinger says the highlight for him was the fact that lawmakers reversed aspects of Proposition B.
The voter-approved ballot initiative placed additional restrictions on large-scale dog breeders.
Munzlinger says it was historic how the changes were approved in one day.
He says the changes will benefit Missouri's largest industry: agriculture.
Munzlinger says another aspect of the session surprised him.
He says crafting the state's budget for the upcoming fiscal year was easier than any of his previous eight years in Jefferson City.
Munzlinger says individuals and organizations based their requests on the state's financial struggles.
He says additional money is needed, though, for disaster recovery in Joplin and in southeast Missouri. The legislature could determine where the money will come from during a possible special session.
Munzlinger says lawmakers could also be called back to address economic development and energy-related issues.
He says time ran out before votes could be taken on funding for a new nuclear plant or for the development of a international trade hub at Saint Louis' Lambert Airport.