Nance: "Show Me State" rally, LIHEAP, Visitors

"If the federal government has the exclusive right to judge the extent of its own powers, warned the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions' authors (James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, respectively), it will continue to grow – regardless of elections, the separation of powers, and other much-touted limits on government power." –Thomas E. Woods

On Wednesday there was a "Show Me State" rally at the Capitol on state sovereignty. Over five hundred filed the rotunda to ask the state to take a stand against federal government interference with states.

That issue will be vetted early in session. Many states are discussing this important issue. The bill does not carry the force of law, but is intended to be a statement of the legislature of the Missouri to the Federal Government to stop these activities outside its constitutional powers.  A Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 34) is an effort to push back against unconstitutional federal laws and regulations on a state level. The Federal Government regulating state healthcare by requiring persons to acquire health insurance is the concern.

There will also be a House Joint Resolution which if passed by the House and Senate would put the issue on the ballot this November. HJR 57, a constitutional amendment would prohibit any person, employer, or health care provider from being compelled to participate in any health care system. Individuals and employers may pay directly for lawful health care services, and health care providers can accept payment for health care services from individuals or employers without being subject to fines or penalties. The purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems could not be prohibited by law or rule.

There will be debate on these resolutions concerning the cost that will be extracted from our state to pay for the program in not only our state, but also paying for Nebraska, Louisiana, and Florida who are receiving special exemptions. Whether it is a premium increase or a tax increase on your healthcare plan, costs will rise immediately and full implementation of the program will not begin until 2013.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

You or someone you know may be eligible for help with home heating bills. LIHEAP is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. The federal government does not provide energy assistance directly to the public. Instead, LIHEAP operates in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and the U.S. territories.

You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project. NEAR is a free service providing information on where you can apply for LIHEAP. You can speak to someone at NEAR Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Mountain Time). Call the toll-free phone number at: 1-866-674-6327. You may obtain more information at www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/liheap.htm.

Visitors

Youth with Vision from Ray and Clay County visited Wednesday to share their priorities for this session.

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Editor's note: this missive has been edited to correct mention of proposed legislation.