Schupp: Birthday Wishes, New Legislation, Catch a Ride

At right: Rep. Schupp (right) and Julie, our intern, posing with Rep. Schupp's birthday flowers. Rep. Schupp's birthday was this Wednesday, Jan. 27.

During the interim, many volunteers from the community helped me research and investigate legislative ideas, or attended in-district meetings on my behalf. These volunteers are each called R.A.'s, my abbreviation for Representative Assistants.

One of this interim's issues we worked on was a re-examination of the legislation I proposed last year on Smoking and Health. R.A. Fay Badasch worked to set up appointments and joined me in attending in-district meetings with the Heart and Lung Associations, the Cancer Society and the Missouri Foundation for Health.

Once we met, it became clear that statewide smoke-free legislation without exemptions would contribute greatly to a more healthful Missouri.  We knew we would need a majority-member sponsor on the legislation to move it forward.  Rep. Walt Bivens agreed to serve as primary sponsor.

This legislation has been filed, and we have requested that it be sent to committee for a hearing.  The bill number is HB 1766.  I am hopeful it will see some movement during this session.

We are starting to see more of you from home visit the Capitol for a lobby day, meeting or to watch your government in action.  Please stop by the office when you are here.  Let us know how we can be helpful in planning your visiting-day activities.  As always, I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Representative Schupp's Legislation: Student Curator Bill and Indoor Clean Air Act...More to Come...

During this legislative session Rep. Schupp is sponsoring House Bill 1773.  This bill allows a student to serve as one of the nine members of the University of Missouri Board of Curators.  The Governor is responsible for appointing the curators to the board.  This bill does not mandate that a student serve on the board but allows that a student may be appointed, an important statutory distinction. This is something for which students of the University have been advocating for years.  In addition to several minority members co-sponsoring the bill, Rep. Steven Tilley, majority floor leader, and Rep. Bryan Pratt, speaker pro-tem, are also co-sponsors of HB 1773.

House Bill 1766, sponsored by Rep. Walt Bivins, is another piece of legislation that Rep. Schupp has initiated this session.  The bill aims to change the requirements under the state indoor clean air act.  This bill would establish Missouri as a smoke-free state, joining the 19 other states that have eliminated smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars.  Rep. Schupp and volunteer Fay Badasch worked with the American Heart and Lung Associations as well as the American Cancer Society to gather information and research during the interim.  When majority member Rep. Walt Bivins expressed interest in the bill, it was decided that he would carry it as the lead sponsor.

Freshmen Dems' Learning Sessions: CFOs and School Superintendent on the Foundation Formula; Legislators on House Rules

School District CFOs Ron Orr (Pattonville), Jason Hoffman (Jefferson City) and Superintendent Jim Jones (Blair Oaks R-II) presented to the Freshmen Democratic Caucus on Wednesday.  The funding of public education through the foundation formula is complex, and it is extremely helpful to understand how state funding varies by districts and regions.  The meeting was well attended by both Freshmen Democrats and some more senior members of the Democratic caucus.

After the hour-long session on the foundation formula, senior Reps. Rachel Bringer, Jeff Roorda and Terry Witte gave a refresher course on the House rules.  The House rules, which are determined at the beginning of each two-year term, are voted on by members of the General Assembly and dictate how the floor and committee procedures will run.

Next week, the Freshmen Democratic Caucus is slated to discuss public transportation and the future of Metro and other public transportation systems in our state.  The speakers include Bob Baer from Metro St. Louis, Mark Huffer from KCATA, Bob Jackson on behalf of the Springfield Utilties, and Mike Winter on behalf of the Missouri Public Transportation Association.

Gaming News: Gaming Commission Votes to Close St. Louis Casino

"Prop A for Schools,"  which was passed the November before last, eliminated loss limits in Missouri's casinos and provided another 1%  of gaming revenue to the state, designated for education.  According to the latest figures I've received, estimates of receipt of $100,000 from the casino to the state have been reduced to $22,000.

Locally, The Missouri Gaming Commission on Jan. 27 unanimously voted to revoke the license of the President Casino in downtown St. Louis as of July 1. Commissioners said Pinnacle Entertainment Corp., the casino's owner, has intentionally allowed the President Casino to decline since opening a new casino just blocks away in 2006.

Do you know that cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of woman?

Get yourself checked out!

St. John's Mercy Medical Center is hosting a Heart to Heart Fair at West County Center on Fri., Feb 19, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM and Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

There will be:
-Free heart disease screenings with immediate results
-Fitness, nutrition, medical and stress experts
-Lifestyle, nutrition and fitness activities.

Register now at the Heart to Heart Website or call 1-866-450-0575.

Constituent Spotlight: Councilwoman Kistner visits Jeff City

This week at the Capitol, Beth Kistner, longtime friend of Representative Schupp and member of the Creve Coeur City Council, stopped by to visit Jill.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK

by Jenna Scavuzzo

Catch a Ride

Millions of Americans drive to work in a car by themselves.  By doing this they are clogging up the highways and wasting gas.  Carpooling to work or school can help out our environment, and at the same time, provide you with a more enjoyable ride.

You will save on the wear and tear on your car, and save money on gas and car maintenance.  Your car also puts off harmful emmissions that contribute to global warming. When you are idling, your car emits even more pollution.  The more people that carpool, the less chemicals there will be in the air.

Rep. Schupp herself carpools to the Capitol.  She and Rep. Kirkton from the St. Louis area trade off driving to Jefferson City and sometimes even take the train!

Carpooling can sometimes be a hassle, but once the kinks are worked out you will be doing yourself and the environment a big favor.

Volunteer yourself or recommend someone for our Constituent Spotlight!

Nominate friends, family,  fellow residents or even a group from the 82nd district to receive recognition through our "Constituent Spotlight!"

We want to acknowledge the great things being done within our  community.  If you, or someone you know deserves a pat on the back, we want to hear about it, and feature that special person or group in an upcoming "Constituent Spotlight" section of our e-newsletter!  Please contact Casey with your nominations.

Casey{dot}Bruce{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or (314) 616-5009