Missouri policymakers should develop a progressive sliding scale of affordability based on household income when designing health coverage policies for Missouri.

Kansas and Missouri have 15,000 more uninsured children than they did three years ago, according to a report issued Tuesday.

Gov.-elect Jay Nixon won a landslide victory this month by calling for the state to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in human capital — health care, education, and jobs.

The health insurance industry said Wednesday that it would support a health care overhaul requiring insurers to accept all customers, regardless of illness or disability. But in return, the industry said, Congress should require all Americans to have coverage.

Experts say the nation's hard times may paradoxically quicken a sweeping reform of the healthcare system.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), making his second appearance on Capitol Hill since he began treatment for a malignant brain tumor in June, told reporters yesterday that he would advance a bill early next year calling for universal health care.

The latest news is available at
www.CoverMissouri.org

With a weakened national financial system and states reporting budget shortfalls, how is Missouri positioned to weather the current economic storm? Is our state’s budget and tax system built on a solid foundation? What can our state’s leaders do in 2009 to ensure that Missouri is on the path to long-term prosperity?

Please join the St. Louis Business Journal, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Missouri Budget Project, the Missouri Municipal League, AARP and other cosponsors for one of three Budget Summits focusing on Missouri's budget:

• St. Louis December 2, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  University of Missouri St. Louis, JC Penney Building, Summit Lounge
  
  
• Springfield December 3, 2008 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, John Q. Hammons Enterprise Center
  
  
• Kansas City December 4, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  MCC-Penn Valley Community College, Education Center Building, Room 019

The Summits will focus on Missouri’s budget outlook, and how all interests - from health care and transportation to education and small businesses - can work together to ensure a healthy state economy.

The Summits are free and open to the public. Reservations are required. To register, please visit www.mobudget.org.