ÍâÍøÌìÌÃ

Despite no legislative action on boosting Missouri Children’s Division starting salaries, Gov. Mike Kehoe says Department of Social Services leaders could soon take action themselves.

While the legislation containing storm relief and the stadium funding both passed committee, some senators have already expressed concern over the bills.

If the House approves the Senate’s changes to the bill, it will proceed to the governor’s desk.

The Senate also approved a bill that would ban cellphones in schools, and another that would limit the power of the courts to change ballot language.

The Salem Republican recently held a hearing on child welfare issues at a time when Missouri’s Children’s Division has struggled with staff retention and executing key programs.

Lawmakers had until 6 p.m. Friday to pass the budget. The final product is roughly $1 billion less than Gov. Mike Parson proposed.

The Senate has already passed similar legislation, which is awaiting House debate.

Under the proposed legislation, no public funds would be given to any clinic that provides abortions or its affiliate. Similar legislation has stalled in the Senate.

Many of Missouri's Republican and Democratic lawmakers attended the Super Bowl victory celebration and sought safety when gunfire erupted.

The legislation, which has passed the Missouri House and died in the Senate the past few years, would allow public school students to enroll in a participating school district that they do not reside in.