Kraus: The Vote Heard Around the World

The people of Massachusetts have spoken through a vote for United States Senator, replacing a life-long advocate of universal health care with someone opposed to the current federal health care legislation.  People across the nation have spoken through town halls and meetings all summer and fall.  The people of District 48 have spoken through any number of e-mails sent to my office or personal conversations.  My constituents have implored me to act against the health care legislation currently being considered in the U.S. Congress.

No one appreciates having federal mandates and taxes shoved down their throats, and Americans have found the style of passage of this legislation unconscionable.  As a nation of representatives elected by the people, our jobs are to represent what the people want and need rather than what the party leader demands.  As part of a system built upon open government, we don't like for our laws to be passed in a maze of secret meetings, million dollar payoffs to states that balk, and unread bills of thousands of pages.

In contrast to what is being preached in Washington, D.C., polls have indicated that the vast majority of Americans are satisfied with their health care.  Why rewrite the entire system?  Instead, we should look for ways to bring down costs.  For example, through the use of technology, we can save money by storing medical records in secure files that only a doctor can access.  We can open insurance purchases to greater competition, as long as companies abide by Missouri laws when operating in our state.  We can do more to promote health and welfare by educating about prevention of disease by eating right and exercising.

Much opposition to the health bill has also been catalyzed by strong objection to ballooning federal deficits and bigger government.  This bill has been estimated to add over $1 trillion to a federal budget already trillions of dollars in debt.  Historically, government programs have almost always cost considerably more than estimated at their passing, so we can assume that the health care bill will be much more expensive than current estimates.

At the state level, Missouri will find itself further burdened by the unfunded mandates in the health care bill.  It has been estimated that Missouri's cost from a mandated expansion to state Medicaid would be in the many millions of dollars.  The additional burden can only serve to wreck our state budget and re-arrange our priorities to what Washington wants rather than what the state needs.

The unfunded mandates, mandatory insurance and increased costs will affect all Missourians.  In the Missouri House of Representatives, we have done what we can by passing a resolution, HCR 18, against the federal health care legislation.  I voted for it.  The resolution will be sent to our Washington delegation as a statement of our position and a plea for common sense.  I hope they will listen.  I urge you to continue to be involved in the debate by contacting our federal representatives and making your views known.  If they are not paying attention now, they never will.  My message to Washington is that this is neither the right bill nor the right time.

Dental Hygienist Award to Harriet Morris

Last week, it was with tremendous pleasure that I presented a resolution to Harriet Morris for her long and distinguished record as a dental hygienist.  Her 50 years of work earned her recognition from the Missouri Dental Board and the members of the House of Representatives.  In addition, she has served her community well by being involved in many organizations and helping to organize and serve as president of the Greater Kansas City Dental Hygienists Association.  I want to congratulate her and wish her continued success.

Military Retirement Exemption

I am thankful to Governor Nixon for mentioning my legislation, HB 82, in his State of the State address.  Passed last session, it provides for a phasing out of the state income tax on military pensions.  It is something we have done for our military personnel who sacrifice so much to keep this country free.  If you would like information on this legislation, please provide me with your physical address, and I would be glad to mail you a brochure that explains more about it.

District 48 Survey Is in the Mail

Listening to the people – isn't that what representative government is all about?  A survey is one of the tools that I use to learn the opinions of residents of District 48.  This year's survey covers subjects related to the budget, ethics reform, the second amendment right to bear arms, and health care.  I always enjoy reviewing the responses and reading the comments section, so please help me out by returning your survey and letting me know what you think.  The questionnaire should be in your mailbox soon.

Meetings and Events

In the last week, I was honored to attend the Lee's Summit Legislative Kick-Off Luncheon, where I listened to the legislative priorities for the city of Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit R-7 District K-12, and the Chamber of Commerce.  Also on the topic of legislative priorities, I attended the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Committee Meeting.

On Saturday, I attended the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, during which I witnessed the passing of the baton from former chair Kurt Lutz to the newly elected chair, Mark Parrish.  Congratulations to Mark on his new leadership position!