JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Department of Mental Health opened its books to a Senate committee Monday amid protests against Gov. Matt Blunt's proposed cuts. Department director Dorn Schuffman told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the division of alcohol and drug abuse would lose nearly half its funding to Blunt's proposed Medicaid cuts, which total about $12 million. "We would see a 45 percent reduction in the coverage program if these cuts go through," Schuffman said. The division's costs were an estimated $23 million last year. [continues 125 words]
JEFFERSON CITY -- Over-the-counter cold medicine could soon be under lock and key. In hopes of curbing methamphetamine production in the state, a set of bills would require pharmacists to record everyone who buys a product containing the meth ingredient pseudoephedrine. The chemical can be found in common cold medicines like Sudafed. "We have a reputation nationwide for our meth levels," said Sen. Norma Champion, R-Greene County. "This new system would allow state law enforcement to access these records at any time." [continues 208 words]
