A bill meant to keep the federal government from enforcing updated regulations on wood burning stoves and furnaces has been endorsed by the Missouri House of Representatives.  The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed standards for makers of wood stoves in its aim to reduce emissions by nearly 80 percent.  Manufacturers testified before lawmakers telling them the new standards would make stoves too costly for most consumers and could put them out of business.  The proposed legislation would also prohibit the State Department of Natural Resources from regulating the use or manufacture of wood stoves without approval of the General Assembly.

Nearly one thousand people were on hand for a rally at the State Capitol yesterday.  Union members were on hand to protest legislation that would prohibit labor contracts from requiring that all employees pay union fees.  Sources say the proposed bill is a top priority of House Republican Leaders who say the right to work bill is necessary for the State to compete for jobs.  Governor Jay Nixon spoke at the rally and told those in attendance that he would veto the bill and called it “unnecessary and misguided legislation.”  The Governor also said he would fight the proposal if the legislature decides to put it on the 2014 Ballot.

Counties in Missouri could tax devices that can call 9-1-1 in order to help pay for services.  That’s according to legislation being considered at the State Capital.  House bill 1573 would allow a fee to be charged of up to $1.50 per month, per device to help fund 9-1-1.  Supporters of the bill say its designed to let each county decide the best option for funding; whether that would be a land line surcharge, a sales tax or the new proposed cell phone fee.  Missouri is the only state that does not have a fee attached to cell phones.  The bill is currently being debated in the House and Senate.