Richard insurance contributions noted in Star investigative report

Forty thousand dollars of campaign contributions from insurance interests to Speaker of the House Ron Richard, R-Joplin, are noted in an investigative piece on money in politics in today's Kansas City Star.

•A bill aimed at requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders easily passed the GOP-controlled Senate on a 29-2 vote and cleared two House committees.

But House leadership opted not to bring the bill to the floor, despite widespread support. Insurance companies opposing the bill followed up that decision with at least $40,000 in donations to House Speaker Ron Richard and floor leader Steven Tilley, a client of political consultant Rod Jetton.