Missouri lawmaker wants former health official's salary cut

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Republican Missouri lawmaker wants to cut the former health department director's salary because of how she responded to questions about a Planned Parenthood clinic.

Republican Rep. Mike Moon, of Ash Grove said in a letter to colleagues Monday that he's frustrated with Gail Vasterling's performance when questioned by lawmakers last year about the Health Department's decision to grant a Columbia Planned Parenthood center a license to provide abortions.

Moon says Vasterling didn't adequately address questions and at times cited legal concerns about providing certain information. The Mental Health Department, where she now is an attorney, declined to comment on Tuesday.

Moon wants to cut her pay from the Mental Health Department's budget.

Democratic Rep. Stacey Newman, of St. Louis, called Moon's letter harassing and bullying.