Schupp: On the House Floor, Remembering Melanie Shouse, Learning Sessions

The "State of the Judiciary" was delivered to the general assembly this week by MO Supreme Court Chief Justice William Price, Jr.  A major component of the speech was a serious evaluation of whether our taxpayer dollars are being used effectively in our criminal justice system.  He made the case that incarcerating non-violent offenders is a burden to the system.  Rather, he suggests expansion of drug courts for those whose crimes fit into this category, which have proven to reduce recidivism.  

The Chief Justice also stated his rationale for supporting Missouri's non-partisan court plan.

In a move applauded by those on both sides of the aisle, the Chief Justice announced that in this difficult economic environment, the judicial branch of Missouri's government will temporarily give up $2 million to the state to fill funding holes elsewhere until economic recovery progresses.

At the same time, he reminded the assembly that our state judges and public defenders are paid poorly based on the workload they are carrying. Attracting great legal minds to our state going forward must be considered as we budget for our future.

This situation is one of many that will be considered as we adjust our cuts and spending in this difficult budget year.  As you know, Missouri's Constitution requires the state budget be balanced.

That explains why additional budget cuts were made by the Governor this week. With January revenues down over 22% from last year, there are few, if any areas of the budget that will not be affected.  This most recent round of cuts come from areas including the Alzheimer's Association, Parents as Teachers, the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, and through additional elimination of about 120 governmental positions.

As we continue to hunker down and make decisions about how to best create jobs, boost our economy and take care of our citizens, I appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you for your confidence as I work to serve you and our state.

Truly,

Jill

Needy Families and State Elected Officials Subject to Drug Testing

TANF Bill Passes First Round Vote in House

Perhaps you remember last year when I testified against drug testing parents of needy families, who would be tested simply because of their need to turn to the government for assistance while looking for employment.  Most recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are women, single heads of household in their families.  The federal dollars they receive would be about $58 less per month for a period of a year if they were to test positive for drug use.  My testimony last year was based on a trip to the grocery store where I purchased $58 dollars worth of food to demonstrate what this money might provide to the children of those in need.  Last year, this legislation passed in the House and was defeated in the Senate.

This year, the recent passage of this legislation [HB1377] in the House includes the provision that officials (legislators and judges) elected to state office in Missouri will also be subject to drug testing.  In other words, "What's good for the goose…"

In Memoriam:  Melanie Shouse

Memorial Service, Sunday, February 14, 2:30 PM Central Reform Congregation

Melanie Shouse will be missed by her friend and fellow advocate, LaDonna Appelbaum.  Melanie will be missed by family and friends.  Melanie will be missed by those who know of the work she has done, and those who may eventually benefit from it. Melanie will be missed, but not forgotten.  Those who knew her, or those who are just learning about her are invited to a memorial service honoring Melanie's too-short life and inspired work.

We know we have lost a selfless and strong advocate for Health Care Reform as we remember Melanie Shouse.  Melanie's personal battle with stage four breast cancer ended this past Saturday.

Her personal experiences unleashed in her a passion to bring about reform so that others would not have to suffer the way she did. Horrific enough to have cancer.  Then, to suffer the additional burdens and hurdles through insurance and health care policies not designed to help those in the most dire circumstances simply adds deep insult to injury.

Melanie understood the meaning of advocacy and was determined to make the world a better place.  She will be remembered and admired as an inspiring woman with unmatched strength, perseverance, and determination.  Please join in the celebration of Melanie Shouse's life on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.

Freshmen Dems' Learning Sessions

Thank you...Public Transit Officials

We had representation from around the state as our panel this week included Adella Jones from St. Louis Metro, Mark Huffer from the Kansas City Area Transit Authority, Deanna Borland representing the Missouri Public Transportation Association and Bob Jackson on behalf of Springfield Utilities.

It was informative to hear what the plans, both short and long term, are for public transit throughout the state.  It is clear that public transit is essential to a state trying to attract new businesses, drive the economy and help get employees to work.

This Wednesday, we will hear from Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler on CAFOs and farmland property tax classifications and Sallie Hemenway from the Department of Economic Development on tax credits being subject to appropriations.

Disaster Relief Information

In the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or tornado, these are important tips to keep you safe.  All of this information can be found on FEMA's (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website, http://www.fema.gov/hazard/index.shtm

Earthquake:

If you are inside:

• DROP to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table or chair.  If there is nothing stable by you, crouch in an inside corner.  Cover your face and neck with your arms.
• Stay away from glass and windows, outside doors and walls.
• If you are in bed, stay there until the earthquake ends.  If there is a heavy light fixture above you, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is near you and you know it is strongly supported.
• Stay inside until shaking stops.
• DO NOT use elevators

If you are outdoors:

• Stay where you are
• Move away from poles, wires, and buildings.  The greatest danger occurs when directly outside buildings, at exits, and along exterior walls.

If in a moving vehicle:

• Stop as quickly as possible and stay in the vehicle.  Avoid stopping near or under buildings, tree, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped.

TORNADO:

If you are inside:

• >Go to a predesignated safe room, basement, cellar, or lowest level.  If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room.  Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.  Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If you are in a vehicle:

• Get out immediately and go to a nearby building or a storm shelter.  Mobile homes offer little protection from tornadoes, even when tied down.
• DO NOT try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck

If you are outside:

• Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge.
• Watch out for flying debris.  Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Honoring Our Veterans

Veteran George Newell, Senator David Pearce, Rep. Schupp, and Rep. Paul Quinn, District 9, at a reception honoring Missouri Veterans on Tuesday.

Conservationists and Environmentalists Visit

It was busy in the Capitol this week as so many of Missouri's conservationists joined forces!  Thank you to those who came to the office.  Efforts were focused on advocating for protection of Missouri's precious natural resources. Messages from advocates included efforts to increase energy efficiency, ensure  water quality, protect state parks and promote LEED-certified buildings.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK

by Julie Scroggs

Fruit for Everyone!

There are many benefits to planting fruit trees, including the fact that you know exactly where your fruit comes from.  It can be a real bargain over time compared to buying all of your fruit from your local grocery store, too!  Not only is the fruit good for your health and easy on your wallet, the tree filters the air in the atmosphere, conditions your soil, and provides shade and shelter for wildlife.  The benefits of growing a fruit tree are numerous, and there is something very special about eating the "fruits of your labor!"

To get started, ask your local nursery which fruits do best in your area and soil conditions.

Planting and harvesting a fruit tree is not complicated:

First, dig a hole about 18 inches in the ground and loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole.  Second, sprinkle compost on the bottom of the hole.  Put some dirt back into the hole, leaving a mound in the center.  Set the tree on top of the mound.  The graft line of the tree should be about 3 inches about the ground.  Next, spread the roots evenly in all directions.  Lastly, fill the hole with soil and gently firm the soil.

Not only will you be providing organic fruit for you own family, you will be saving money, and saving the earth one tree at a time.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Events at Tappmeyer House

Antiques Valentine Show
Sunday, February 7th
1:00 PM -3:00 PM
Free for Show
Crafts for kids...$5 per family

Miniature Show
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$2 per person

Tappmeyer House is located in Millenium Park behind Barnes West in Creve Coeur.

Heart 2 Heart Fair!

Heart to Heart Fair
Fri, Feb 19  8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sat, Feb. 20 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Free heart disease screenings with immediate results
• interactive exhibits
• Lifestyle, nutrition and fitness activities.

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