Capitol Calling

Outstanding

AP: Snake responsible for power outage

According to the Associated Press, the power outage in the Missouri Capitol Building was caused by a snake.

No, not that Snake. The creature that brought Missouri's legislature to a halt probably looks like this.

Snake? Snake? Snaaaaaaaaaaake!

Lights Out!

When I got back from lunch today, Columbia Tribune reporter Terry Ganey asked me if I had a flashlight.

At first, I thought he was joking. Then, I walked into the Missouri Capitol Building.

It was darker than the freaking Batcave.

For whatever reason, a transformer disruption interrupted debate during one of the final few days of the legislative session.

While the Senate went into recess, the House kept debating amendments to a gigantic education bill. Since there was no power to fuel computers, House members had to engage in a voice roll call vote.

Considering the Missouri House has 163 members, those types of votes take a long time.

Ultimately, power came back to the Capitol Building shortly after 1 p.m. Debate is set to resume in both chambers shortly.

For those with the uncontrollable urge to see what a dark Missouri Capitol Building looks like, watch this short video.

Spooooky!

KBIA Commentary: Spending Party

My latest commentary for KBIA takes a look at the difficulty in reigning in spending on popular programs.

The House, for instance, took heat for cutting numerous areas of the state's budget. And individuals seeking to alter the Historic Preservation Tax Credit are also running into opposition.

Here it is: