At left: Rep. Tim Jones working on legislation on the House Floor with Speaker Ron Richard & Rep. Kevin Wilson.Leaden grey skies pressed hard upon mid-Missouri and across the greater Midwest this week mirroring the somber mood in the Capitol as we continued to receive sobering news about the state of our economy and the fiscal challenges we face inherent in the 2010-2011 State Budget. House Republicans remain committed to appropriate and necessary funding in crucial areas such as education with the full knowledge that waste and failed programs must be ferreted out and eliminated and that even well intentioned programs must be scrutinized and narrowed to achieve the constitutionally mandated Budget. We all remain committed to doing what we can to return government to its proper roles while spending your tax dollars wisely…
"Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." –Alexis de Tocqueville
Balanced Budget Amendment
Over the past two years, Congress has added TRILLIONS of dollars to our federal debt. Because the federal government is not constitutionally required to pass annual balanced budgets, like 49 out of the 50 states federal spending is spiraling out of control like never before. The federal debt now exceeds 12 trillion dollars and Congress simply continues to raise the debt ceiling. While Rome burns, Congress continues to simply pour gasoline on the fire. That is why Budget Chairmen Allen Icet has filed House Resolution 34 [HCR34] which urges the United States Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification. We must stop this trend of out-of-control deficit spending that passes the cost of our projects and programs on to our children and grandchildren. With this resolution, the Missouri House calls on Congress to put a stop to the fiscal irresponsibility and urges them to pass a balanced budget amendment.Drug Testing for Welfare Benefits
This week, House Republicans perfected House Bill 1377, which will prevent illegal drug users from receiving certain state benefits. The bill would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop a screening process for recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. To be tested, DSS must have "reasonable cause" that a person is using illegal substances.In tough economic times, your tax dollars should not be spent on those abusing the system and using your money for illegal drugs. Many employers, including the military and the federal government, require drug testing to be employed. There is no excuse for welfare recipients not to live up to the same standard.
During debate on the House floor, an amendment was added to the bill that requires all members of the General Assembly to take a drug test before being sworn into office, and once every two years after that. The House overwhelmingly supported the amendment, feeling that elected officials should be held responsible if they are found to be taking illegal drugs.
If this bill becomes law, it will make a difference. Not only will this bill reduce the size of government; it will also remove abusers from the government dole AND ensure they obtain the help they need.
HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE
Over the past year, America has watched as Congress has debated numerous health care reform proposals. The system needs reform. Uninsured Americans need access to health care and those who have insurance need relief from rapidly rising health care costs. But the more the American people have learned about the current health care reform proposals in Congress, the less they like them.Real health care reform should address the root of our current challenges: COST. To do this, we must work to promote competition and improve transparency, all while maintaining the quality of care that we have come to expect from our current system. Instead of looking at proposals that would help Americans afford private health insurance, the proposals in Congress rely on expanding taxpayer funded health coverage, increasing taxes on private insurance policies, and penalizing individuals who choose not to purchase health insurance.
In the Missouri House, we have heard our constituents loud and clear: they oppose the current Federal health care proposals. Therefore, we have worked on legislation this session to protect Missourians from the negative effects of Federal Health Control both in unfunded mandates and excessive taxation.
House Concurrent Resolution 18 passed the House earlier in session with overwhelming bipartisan support. This important resolution lays out the many concerns that we have with the federal health care proposals including tax increases, mandates, and further regulation of the health care industry. This resolution also urges Missouri's Congressional leaders to oppose these bills. This resolution will send a message to Congress that Missourians want real health care reform, not the current badly crafted proposals in Congress.
We also continue to move House Joint Resolution 57 through the House. HJR 57 is a proposed amendment to Missouri's constitution that would protect Missourians from any attempt to mandate the purchase of health insurance. The federal proposals include mandates that would require individuals to purchase health insurance or face penalties. Upon the approval of Missouri voters, this legislation would protect Missourians from both the mandates and the penalties. With the passage of this extremely important proposal, we will ensure that Missourians continue to have a voice when it comes to their own health care decisions.
The current federal proposals will only exacerbate the challenges of our health care system. Congress must take a step back and begin to look at real reforms that will rein in costs through market-based solutions. The American people have spoken…in Virginia, in New Jersey and most loudly and clearly in Massachusetts, and it is about time that Congress starts listening.
I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57. As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or care that they want. Seventy five of my colleagues have co-sponsored this legislation and I am very grateful to them for their support. You may view the legislation at this link: http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm
I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HJR 57 WAS VOTED "DO PASS" BY THE HOUSE GENERAL LAWS COMMITTEE THIS WEEK BY A BIPARTISAN VOTE OF 10 TO 4. IT WILL NOW MOVE ON TO THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE WHERE IT WILL NEED APPROVAL BEFORE MOVING TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR FULL DEBATE.
Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important resolution and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress.
SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!
I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season which begins on April 2nd. Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on February 6, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17. For more information, please visit: http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspxFAST FACTS
February is Black History Month in the United States. February was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of the great leader Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1920, Walthall Moore was elected to the House becoming the 1st African American to serve in the Missouri Legislature. In 1960, DeVerne Lee Calloway became the 1st African American woman elected to the House.Need a Copy of the White Pages?
If you need a FREE copy of the White Pages, you can obtain one! Contact AT&T toll free at 1.800.792.2665 or visit www.RealPagesLive.comTim's Legislative Platform for 2010
So far this year I have sponsored and filed thirteen individual pieces of legislation. I have co-sponsored numerous other bills. To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link: http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htmOver the past two weeks, four of my bills were heard in committee and the hearings for three of these four very important bills lasted over three hours each! The topics of the bills were the Health Care Freedom Act, the Prompt Pay Act [HB1498](which is a TRUE health care reform bill that closes a loophole in payments from insurers to providers that will save the providers and patients actual costs) and the Access Reform Act [HB1750](another consumer friendly bill that will reduce subsidies in the telecommunications industry). One of my bills, [HB1442] which will protect taxpayer approved taxation structures for rural municipalities, has already passed out of the House and is moving in the Senate. I will continue to work hard to advance good government legislation that benefits all Missourians and will continue to keep you updated on the progress and status of the bills.
Personal News & Notes
At right: Daughter Katie with two of her friends enjoying a favorite pastime…reading!I have returned to the very busy routine of extremely full weeks of practicing at my law firm, legislating and debating at the Capitol and of course spending as much quality time as possible with my wonderful family. I must continue to thank my wife Suzanne and daughters Katie and Abby for all of their continued sacrifices. Their support and encouragement sustain me in the long days and nights as Session begins to pick up steam. This will be an exciting and busy year and I encourage all of you to participate in this excellent adventure and journey that we call democracy!
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