Moms, Dads, Grandparents... Share your pride with the community about your loved one’s graduation
Congrats to the Graduate Special Section, June 19 (See page A16)
St. LouiS AmericAn The
CAC Audited MAY 15 – 21, 2014
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Bill would restore adult dental Medicaid Legislature still resisting expanding Medicaid and accepting federal funds
‘Michael is the first’ Rams draft Sam, first openly gay player in NFL By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Bill Greenblatt (UPI)
St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, 7th round draft pick Michael Sam and General Manager Les Snead addressed the media at Ram’s Park on Tuesday after introducing all of the team’s 2014 draft picks.
Michael Sam is focused on playing football and trying to make the St. Louis Rams’ roster – not being the first openly gay player drafted by a National Football League team, he said at a press conference Tuesday. “I understand that right now you guys want to make a big deal of it,” he said of the constant publicity. “When this is over, then I can start (working on football) as fast as possible.” On Saturday, many watched as news stations televised Sam receiving the draft phone call and crying over his partner’s shoulder. The Rams drafted Sam as a defensive end in the 7th round, making him the 249th pick. As a defensive lineman at the University of Missouri, he was named defensive player of the year in the Southeastern
See SAM, A7
Students rally for peace About 400 students, community leaders and members of law enforcement marched down Riverview Boulevard last Thursday after a peace rally outside of Northwest Academy of Law High School in North St. Louis. License Collector Mavis Thompson (left) joined the students. See story on page A13.
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American Although it appears that Missouri lawmakers will not expand Medicaid coverage this legislative session, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan measure on May 8 to restore some adult dental Medicaid coverage. Dental coverage for adults on Medicaid was cut from the state budget nearly a decade ago during Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration, and emergency rooms around the state were left to deal with the influx of poor people who were in pain and could not afford to see a dentist. “This is really a big deal for our Medicaid population to be able to get adult dental care,” said state Senator Rob Schaaf (R-34), a physician who represents Buchanan and Platte counties in northwest Missouri. “We haven’t been n “Oral able to do this before and health is it’s really hurt a lot of connected people, not having dental to overall coverage, because they get some kind of a dental health.” problem and that affects their health otherwise.” – Dr. Craig The measure, Hollander, which was not in Greater St. Louis Dental Gov. Jay Nixon’s budget, is a major shift Society by the Republican super-majority in the legislature, which has targeted most so-called “entitlement” public programs. The $48.2 million measure, contained in HB 2011, is part of Missouri’s annual budget bill that is on the governor’s desk. If approved, it would go into effect July 1. “I think the total cost will be less than $48 million, because by helping them with the dental care, that will save in other areas,” Schaaf said. Currently the state’s Medicaid program covers children’s dental care and limits adult dental services to persons who are blind, disabled or pregnant. “This is a significant step in the right
See BILL, A6
Vol. 85 No. 6 COMPLIMENTARY
Photo by Wiley Price
Q&A with Judge Edwards 2014 May Day Parade honorary chair, SLU commencement speaker By Chris King Of The St. Louis American Judge Jimmie M. Edwards is a ubiquitous presence these days. The 22nd Circuit Court judge and founder of Innovative Concept Academy is suddenly everywhere. This Sunday, May 18, Judge Edwards will be honorary chair for the 2014 Annual May Day Parade, moving down Market Street in downtown St. Louis starting at 1 p.m. That appearance will culminate a veritable parade of ceremonial recognitions of his advocacy for youth who have been expelled or proven to be disruptive in classrooms.
Judge Jimmie M. Edwards
On May 1, he received the 2014 Distinguished Lawyer Award from the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. On Friday, May 16, Eden Theological Seminary presented him with an honorary doctor of laws degree. And on Saturday, May 17, he will serve as 2014 commencement speaker for his undergraduate alma mater, Saint Louis University, and
n “Learning continues, whether a child is in a classroom or a jail cell.” – Judge Jimmie M. Edwards
receive its honorary doctorate of laws degree. The American talked to Judge Edwards about what he plans to say to SLU graduates, his progress at implementing the Innovative Concept model and his ever-elusive quest for a federal
See EDWARDS, A6