(AP) – Voters in at least three states could get a chance to decide next year whether to limit the fees that unions can collect.

After recent successes in Michigan and Indiana, supporters of “right-to-work” laws now are focusing their efforts on Missouri, Ohio and Oregon. But instead of relying on potentially reluctant governors to enact the measures, they are looking to place the issue before voters.

Initiative petition campaigns are underway in Ohio and Oregon. In Missouri, the Republican-led Legislature will consider whether to refer the measure to the 2014 ballot.

Two dozen states currently have “right to work” laws that prohibit union fees from being a condition of employment.

Conservative lawmakers and business groups have been leading the charge. Unions have opposed the measures with mixed results.

Actress Glenn Close joined U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) for a press conference today to urge Congress to pass the bipartisan “Excellence in Mental Health Act,” which was approved by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee last week.

Close is the founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, which works to end the stigma and discrimination against those living with mental illness. The Senators were also joined by mental health advocates, veterans, and law enforcement officials who support the bill. Click here for a high-resolution photo.

“Approximately one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder each year nationwide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health,” said Blunt. “We’ve got a model that works to solve these important problems, and passing this bipartisan provision out of committee is an important step forward. Now is the time for Congress to act.”

“Mental health issues touch every family in some way. Our bipartisan bill expands access and improves quality of care so people can get the treatment they need and live healthy, successful lives,” said Stabenow. “We had a major victory last week, we’ve got tremendous momentum, and we’re going to keep working hard until this bill gets done.”

“It is critical that people come out and talk about mental illness to reduce the stigma surrounding those living with mental illness,” said Close. “This legislation is so important in the effort to expand access to mental health services and improve the quality of treatment available. With reduced stigma and discrimination, and increased access to quality care, people living with mental illness can get the treatment they need

1:20 p.m. update (AP) — Gov. Jay Nixon has developed a proposal to help more Missourians pursue careers in mental health care

The governor planned to announce details Wednesday during stops in Columbia and Kansas City. His office said the announcement would involve a proposal for funding in the next state budget.

Nixon told higher education officials in October he would be proposing an initiative to train professionals in such fields as psychiatry, specialty nursing and applied behavioral analysis.

He said 72 of Missouri’s 114 counties do not have a licensed psychiatrist, while 90 do not have a licensed behavioral analyst.

(AP) – Gov. Jay Nixon has developed a proposal to help more Missourians pursue careers in mental health care.

The governor planned to announce details Wednesday during stops in Columbia and Kansas City. His office said the announcement would involve a proposal for funding in the next state budget.

Nixon told higher education officials in October he would be proposing an initiative to train professionals in such fields as psychiatry, specialty nursing and applied behavioral analysis.

He said 72 of Missouri’s 114 counties do not have a licensed psychiatrist, while 90 do not have a licensed behavioral analyst.

(AP) — The mother of a Council Bluffs high school student has been arrested for a Facebook post that made reference to a school shooting, but the woman’s attorney says she was simply venting frustration that her son is being bullied at school.

Police say 39-year-old Teri Pallat was arrested Monday on suspicion of making terroristic threats and first-degree harassment. Her arrest came after she posted a message on her Facebook page that said “this is exactly why” school shootings happen.

Pallat’s attorney, Michael Murphy, tells Omaha television station KETV that Pallat’s son has been the target of bullying and at least one assault at school, and that school officials have done nothing to stop it.

Lewis Central High School Principal Joel Beyenhof says the school looks into every bullying accusation.

The suspect arrested in connection with the December 18, shooting and related disturbance at a motel in Manhattan was charged Tuesday in Pottawatomie County court in connection with the crime.

Dustin Monroe, 33 from Wamego, is charged with three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, two counts of criminal discharge of a firearm into an unoccupied building, as well as one count of criminal damage to property at the Quality Inn, 150 East Poyntz, near the KSU campus.

A hearing in the case is set for January 14th.

– See more at: http://www.mofb.org/NewsMedia/CuttotheChase.aspx?articleID=433#sthash.7lSMeNI8.dpuf

Rep. Sam Graves is praising artwork from the area he serves. On his facebook page he wrote:

Students from across the Sixth District submitted fantastic artwork for the annual Congressional Art Competition. It’s a great way for students to showcase their talents with an opportunity to have their painting or picture featured at the U.S. Capitol. Here are some of the dozens of fantastic pieces of artwork in my Kansas City office.

(AP) — Archer Daniels Midland Company has made it official: It is moving its global headquarters from Decatur in central Illinois to Chicago.

In a news release issued Wednesday morning, the company says that Chicago is the best location to provide access to global markets while maintaining “close connections” to farmers and customers.

The company says it intends to have about 50 to 75 employees in the new corporate office.

On Tuesday, people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press about the move but Wednesday’s announcement was the first official confirmation.

The company says a decision has not been made on where it will locate a new Information Technology and support center, where about 100 people will work.