Schupp: State of the State Overview, First Order of Business, Women's Heart Health

Wednesday in the House Chamber, Governor Nixon opened his speech with a reminder of the devastating losses, heartbreak and need in Haiti.  The state's website has information offering each of us opportunities to help. Whether through church,  synagogue or mosque; your business or non-profit, I am certain many of you have or will do what you can to provide assistance to those in need. The generosity of friends and neighbors is both moving and healing.

In difficult times, a strong leader rises to the occasion.  I felt proud to be a state legislator as I listened to the plans and priorities Governor Nixon outlined in his State-of-the-State address.  The top priority: creating jobs.  As you read today's newsletter, you will find brief descriptions of information provided by the Governor.  For more detail, please use the link below to access the state website.

As always, I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Jill
Click to access the State Website


Members of the House and Senate standing to applaud Governor Jay Nixon during his State of the State address on Wednesday. (http://governor.mo.gov)

Overview of Nixon's State of the State

Job Creation

Missouri First – This plan encourages existing Missouri businesses to expand and create jobs by moving them to the top of the list for consideration for incentives. These businesses are characterized as Missouri's most loyal businesses, because they have been here for five or more years and have paid taxes that have helped build our infrastructure including schools and roads.  

MOSIRA – The Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act is a new initiative to recruit high-tech businesses to Missouri. Last week, I was invited to speak about this initiative in our district's Danforth Plant Science Center. Our state is well-positioned to compete and succeed in the already vibrant plant, animal and life science sector. Along with the internationally renowned Danforth Plant Science Center, we have resources throughout the state that can draw the scientific and entrepreneurial communities. This initiative is designed to help build our economy and allow Missouri to excel in the global marketplace while creating jobs at all levels here at home.

Training for Tomorrow – Community colleges will be able to expand key job training programs in high-demand fields. Many of our unemployed neighbors are returning to school to re-train for today's jobs.  The health care field is in need of a larger work force. The goal of this initiative is to give us additional skilled workers to meet the demands of the current workplace.

Education

Tuition freeze – Gov. Nixon's budget would freeze tuition at all two and four-year public colleges and universities for a second year in a row.

Career Ladder program for Missouri's teachers – Included in the budget is continued funding for Missouri's teachers through the Career Ladder program. This program rewards teachers for their work in and out of the classroom.

Missouri Promise – Expansion of the A+ program that offers tuition for two years at a community college would mean that all students that excel at Missouri's public high schools are eligible to compete for this opportunity.  Currently, some schools do not participate, so students attending those schools are not able to take advantage of the program.

Budget

Fiscal Discipline – The Governor announced that he will not raise taxes in this economic environment.  At the same time, he will focus on the priorities of job creation, education, health care and public safety.

Balancing the budget – Missouri will be able to balance its budget without some of the drastic cuts being experienced in other states.  That stated, we will likely see cuts across the board in programs that protect and support our most vulnerable, including seniors. 

Belt tightening – The Governor has proposed reducing the state government workforce now by a total of 1,800 positions.  The state  must tighten its belt just as Missouri families are doing.  These additional job losses have not only been difficult on the families affected, but they also cut back on staff that helps you receive the support you need from your government. 

No Tax Increase – It is clear that most Missourians believe now is not the time to ask families for more of their hard earned money.

Cutting Boards and Commissions – Gov. Nixon has eliminated 13 state boards and 227 positions. The Governor will ask the legislature to eliminate 18 additional boards and 246 positions that were created by statute. To streamline state government, Gov. Nixon is eliminating boards that are inefficient, ineffective or redundant. One of the boards had not met since 1991.

In this economic environment, we must make the most difficult of choices and put into place policy that will positively affect Missouri, both short and long term.

Your input matters.

On the House Floor

First Order of Business: Non Binding Resolution on
Federal Health Care Reform Legislation

It was disappointing that the first order of business relating to policy discussion on the House Floor was that of a non-binding resolution that would send a message that Missouri is not interested in any health care reform that comes from the federal government.  Currently, we do not know exactly what that reform might look like, so to cast it as bad for Missourians doesn't allow for new ideas and change to even begin to take place.  Accessible and affordable quality health care for all is a critical moral and even an economic issue.

During the interim, Speaker Richard had stated that policies surrounding the insurance coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder would be the first order of business.  Instead, he called for debate of a non-binding resolution on a proposal that is not yet in final form.  Moving forward, I am hopeful the Speaker will allow the floor to debate the coverage of Autism, which affects so many of our young people.

Freshmen Dems' Learning Sessions: Pattonville and Jeff City Schools CFOs Ron Orr and Jason Hoffman

Rarely do we find an extra hour in our day, but this week's learning session had to be postponed, so Healthcare and Missouri's options will move. 

Meantime, this Wednesday, we will hear from Pattonville School District's CFO, Mr. Ron Orr who will be joined by Jefferson City's CFO, Mr. Jason Hoffman as we study Funding of Missouri's Schools:  The Foundation Formula.

A Parting Shot:  Constituent in the Capitol

Constituent Marc Levinson was in Jefferson City for the Missouri Realtors Association conference and paid a visit to Rep. Schupp's office. Marc was recently selected as a member of the Missouri Board of Realtors.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK

by Jenna Scavuzzo

Flip the Switch
Did you know that electronic devices and appliances that the average American has within their home consume energy when left plugged in the wall and not just when they are being used?

We all know how easy it is to just leave the blow dryer or computer plugged in and not really think about all the electricity and energy being wasted.  We think that just because it is plugged in but not turned on, we aren't using  electricity.  When we leave them plugged into the wall, devices and appliances still use electricity long after we have switched them off.

Next time you are at the store pick up a few power strips (or surge protectors) to put throughout your house.  By plugging your appliances and electronics into a power strip, you can leave them plugged in and save electricity, as the strip prevents electricity from being used once it is turned off. 

This is a safe and easy way to use the electronics and appliances needed and still help save electricity throughout your household.

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

Get yourself checked out!

St. John's Mercy Medical Center is hosting a Heart to Heart Fair at West County Center on Friday, Feb 19 from  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; interactive exhibits and lifestyle, nutrition and fitness activities.

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

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.