By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers are spending long hours at the State Capitol working to pass numerous bills before the 2008 session ends Friday.
The State Senate adjourned Wednesday night around 11:30, while the House stayed in session until 12:45 this morning.
House members passed about 30 minor-issue bills, the most noteworthy being one that designates the ice cream cone as Missouri's official State Dessert.
State Representative Bruce Darrough (D, Florissant) says his great-grandmother was introduced to the treat at the 1904 World's Fair.
"She said, 'Well, there was some exciting things to eat down there, I think the hot dog was perfected down there,' and she said, 'and ice cream cones.' I said, 'Well, did you try all that stuff?' She said, 'Yes, I tried it all, but I really didn't think that the ice cream cone would stick around for awhile, but it seems to have worked out pretty well,'" Darrough said.
The bill passed 112 to 31.
Critics have complained that such bills take time away from more important issues.
It now goes to Governor Blunt for his signature.