Nance: Adopt/Sponsor a Roadway, House Action, Students Tour the Capitol

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." –Muhammad Ali

Adopt One or Sponsor One

In District 4, approximately 400 active adopters maintain 400 miles of roadway, but there is always opportunity for new enthusiasts to make a difference.

Adopters take care of at least a half-mile of urban roadside or a two-mile rural stretch, with the commitment to collect litter at least twice every six months. Volunteers are provided with the necessary trash bags and safety vests, and participate in MoDOT's safety training.

A route currently open for adoption is Ray County: Richmond, MO 13. (Contact 888-275-6636 for more information on how you or your organization can help).

House Action

The House third read and passed HB 1404 by a vote of 145-4. The bill would create the crime of failure to adequately control an animal.

The House third read and passed HB 2357 by a vote of 145-1. The bill would prohibit any public retirement plan of the state or a political subdivision from investing funds with foreign companies that have active ties to any country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

HB 1473 guarantees students at public four-year institutions, including Linn State Technical College, and private institutions receive a maximum amount of financial assistance awards of $2,150 and $4,600 respectively from the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program.

Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the substitute combines the categories for these schools into one with a $2,850 maximum and a $1,500 minimum award and increases the maximum award for community colleges from $1,000 to $1,300.

HB 1444 requires the governing body of any county, city, town, or village or any entity created by these political subdivisions to hold a public meeting and to allow public comment four business days prior to voting on an issue involving fee or tax increases, eminent domain, zoning, transportation development districts, capital improvement districts, commercial improvement districts, or tax increment financing.  The provisions will not apply to any votes or discussions related to proposed ordinances that require a minimum of two separate readings on different days or in the case of an emergency; and tax measures under these provisions will not include the setting of the annual tax rates.

Orrick 4th grade students were in the Capitol Thursday for a tour of their State Capitol. They enjoyed a wonderful experience.

In the District

Last Saturday I presented resolutions to three new "Royal Rangers" at the Lawson Assembly of God Church. Receiving awards were Zac Emry, Jacob Bellis, and Jordan Guilkey.

I will return Thursday to help honor Excelsior Springs citizens that are receiving recognition at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner. I am also speaking to Citizens for Missouri's Children at 11:30 Friday at the Elms.