By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers on Tuesday sent Governor Matt Blunt two pieces of legislation.
One would let schools that had to cancel classes because of storms in January not make those days up. Some parts of the state lost power for more than two weeks, much longer than the built-in make up days districts usually add to their calendars.
The other bill would increase what the state pays sheltered workshops.
About 5,600 mentally disabled Missourians are employed in dozens of sheltered workshops. They're currently paid below minimum wage to perform basic tasks like shredding documents or packaging products for other companies.
Their pay would go from $65 a week to $95 by 2010, if the governor signs it.
Meanwhile, the governor did sign a bill yesterday that creates a state income tax credit for contributions of food or money to food pantries.