The year is just getting underway and the new legislative sessions get underway Wednesday for both Missouri and Illinois legislators.

Reporter Kevin McDermott, in a story today, says that all indications are that it will start in pretty much the same way last year ended: with bickering between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and legislative leaders over Chicago’s mass-transit crisis, downstate infrastructure needs, education funding, gambling expansion and other issues.

Jefferson City reporter Virginia Young writes today that the 2008 legislative session kicks off this week with tax relief for homeowners and health care for the working poor at the top of the agenda. But…

The rules of the new Illinois law are still as foggy as our weather this week, but in just three short weeks, smokers in Illinois will be banned from lighting up in public places.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed in July the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which bans smoking in virtually all public places. But a state committee hasn’t adopted the specific rules that clarify the law.

Smoking on patios, for instance, is still uncertain. The law says smoking will be banned in all indoor public places or places of employment, and within 15 feet of an entrance, open window or ventilation intake.

“Our…

Illinois public schools will be required to start their day with a moment of silence after the state house voted to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto of the measure.

According to our story on the issue today:

The requirement, effective immediately, doesn’t contain any penalty for teachers who don’t adhere to the mandate. Nonetheless, the issue drew sharp ideological debate on the House floor, where critics said it was an incremental attempt to force prayer in schools.

Do you agree? Is it a short trip from a "moment of silence" to prayer in public schools? Is it simply a way to make space in…

Claire McCaskill is in. Rod Blagojevich is in. In the House of Representatives, the Democrats are in.

Stems cell research is in. The tobacco tax is out. The minimimum wage is up. Most school taxes or bond issues are in. We’ve got the most up-to-date results over here.

But while you’re here, tell us: How do you feel about the results?