Mo. House speaker forms special disaster committee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Speaker of the House wants information on whether to call the legislature into special session to deal with the string of natural disasters afflicting the state this spring. Speaker Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, has formed a committee, chaired by Speaker Pro Tem Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Springfield. The group will look into the state's role in the recovery of Southeast Missouri and Joplin, and any impending damage from flooding along the Missouri River. The committee must then report to Tilley no later than July 31 as to whether its members believe a special session is needed to deal with issues related to the disasters. The committee will then continue to meet to come up with a report on long-term recovery strategies and how the state can be better prepared for natural disasters. That report is due by Dec. 31.