Mo. Senate panel to examine social services costs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A special state Senate committee will look into potential savings in Missouri's social services programs.

Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer says he has appointed five people to the committee, which will meet weekly with the goal of submitting initial recommendations by March 1.

Mayer says the committee will hold hearings on past and anticipated changes to the cost of social services programs, as well as the number of people enrolled in them.

Mayer appointed Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, of St. Joseph, as the committee chairman.