Nance: Governor Visits Watkins Mill, At The Capitol, Visitors To Jeff City

Governor Nixon visited Watkins Mill State Park last Friday. He came to announce a program for our parks. Missourians ages 17 to 24 will gain valuable work experience this summer and help enhance the state system of parks by being part of the Missouri State Parks Youth Corps, a jobs program launched this past weekend. Youth can apply online for jobs that might include computer technology, tour guides, or maintenance of grounds. Over 1,000 Missouri youth will be employed at minimum wage for 240 hours.

State Parks Youth Corps will help youth to gain work experience and teach them to be good stewards of our parks. The money for the program is designated from the Federal Government. Young people who want to be part of the State Parks Youth Corps can apply online at mo.gov.

I appreciated his kind words and will continue to work with him to make Missouri a better place for everyone.

At the Capitol

HB 1519 passed through the House on Tuesday. It pertains to transit operators being assaulted. I was able to add an amendment making it a class C felony to threaten certain positions in the judicial system.

HCS HB 1408 was also passed and changes the time frame that interest is paid to the income tax filer. Presently, if the state has your tax return for four months, they must pay interest. This bill changes that period to 45 days.

HB1548 passed out of committee and it establishes the High School Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act which requires school boards to work with the Missouri State High School Activities Association to develop guidelines, information, and forms for coaches, student athletes, and their parents or guardians on the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including information on continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

Visitors

Leroy Martens was at the Capitol Tuesday supporting the Ray County Extension.

MSTA teachers from Richmond visited the Capitol after school on Tuesday. Joy Farnan, Patty Solomon, Felicia Powell, Janet Rowe, and Dana Cravens were attending a MSTA event.

Jacob Long was representing Teen Pack when he came to the Capitol this week. Jacob is "home schooled" and this trip gave him an opportunity to see how state government works.

Keith Winge was at the Capitol on Thursday promoting tourism. There were plenty of pancakes for all. I thank the Excelsior Springs DEP for the gift of a picture of the historic water pagodas in Excelsior Springs.

In the District

I was honored at a recent Northland Coalition event where I was recognized by "Youth with Vision" for my support of legislation to creating safe, substance-abuse-free and violence-free communities.