The Senate gave first round approval to a bill that would salvage the First Steps Program. The program was almost eliminated under Gov. Blunt's Medicaid cuts. Senator Mike Gibbons, a Republican from St. Louis County and the President Pro Tem, sponspored the bill. It would require insurance companies to pick up some of the costs. The program gives treatments and therapies to children under three with development problems like Autism.
The state constitution gives the Lt. Governor the authority to preside over the senate. Historically, Lt. Governors have handed the day to day responsibilies to the President Pro Tem. President Pro Tem Mike Gibbons is a Republican senator from St. Louis County. He says Lt. Governor Peter Kinder is dedicated to the senate.