Carter: End of Session Newsletter

It's hard to believe that this legislative session is over. It's been a very busy couple of weeks and the House has passed lots of legislation, some good, some bad, and some very controversial. I have included an overview of the legislation below.

I will be back in St. Louis on Monday, May 17, so please feel free to contact me in the district. My assistant Cheri, will be in the Capitol office, so please feel free to contact her there as well.

Once again, this is a pretty lengthy newsletter, but there was a lot of information to share:

1. State Budget Fails to Deliver Financial Stability
2. State Releases April 2010 General Revenue Report
3. Missouri House Finally Approves Autism Insurance
4. House Shows Less Activity in 2010
5. House Floor Actions
   1. Wide-Ranging Ethics and Elections Reform Bill
   2. Reduce Cost of Some Intrastate Long DistanceCalls
   3. Improve Efficiency and Generate Additional Revenue
   4. Expanded Public Notice of Certain Meetings Given Final Approval
   5. Protect Mental Health Workers Moves to Governor's Desk
   6. Allow Pharmacies to Refuse to Sell Certain Drugs
   7. Create Girl Scout Day
   8. State Budget Finalized
   9. Prompt Pay Legislation Signed into Law
   10. Clarify Sales Tax Laws Receives Final Approval
   11. Protect a Mother's Rights to Defend Her Unborn Child
   12. School Funding Bill
   13. Business Premises Safety Act
   14. Improve Care for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
   15. Establish Women's Heart Health Program
   16. Allow Gamblers to Use Casino Chips for Food and Drinks
   17. Create Silver Alert System
   18. House Members Pays Tribute to Veterans
6. Other State Happenings
   1. Supporters of Four Ballot Measures File Petitions
   2. State Revenue Collections Go From Worse to Bad
   3. Tourism Commission Won't Fund Tour of Missouri
   4. Missouri May Soon Have Nation's Lowest Cig Tax

STATE BUDGET FAILS TO DELIVER FINANCIAL STABILITY

Last week, the Republican-controlled Missouri House of Representatives granted final approval to a $23.27 billion state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year that imposes drastic cuts to nearly every state agency but fails to provide long-term budget stability, which will necessitate even deeper cuts next year. The final state budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins July 1, approved by lawmakers makes nearly $500 million in general revenue cuts from the budget the governor proposed in January. Those cuts are in addition to the $300 million in general revenue cuts recommended by the governor. Despite lawmakers’ actions, the governor is expected to be forced to enact further cuts to bring the budget into balance. Throughout the legislative session, House Democrats called for a balanced approached to break the cycle of declining revenue collections and reductions in vital state services that Missouri has been trapped in for most of the last decade under Republican control of the legislature. In particular, House Democrats sought reform of the more than 60 tax credit programs, which costs the state about $600 million a year in lost revenue, and elimination of various special tax exemptions, such as that granted on the purchase of luxury yachts. While the budget freezes basic state funding for local public school districts, it imposes a 50 percent cut in the state reimbursement to districts for student transportation costs and eliminates or reduces funding for other education costs beyond basic state aid. The budget also assumes that about two dozen bills pending in the General Assembly to create necessary savings budget writers counted on will pass. Many of those bills have passed the Senate but are stalled in the House.

STATE RELEASES APRIL 2010 GENERAL REVENUE REPORT

Jefferson City - - State Budget Director Linda Luebbering announced that 2010 fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections declined 11.7 percent compared to fiscal year 2009, from $6.4 billion last year to $5.7 billion this year. Net general revenue collections for April 2010 decreased by 3.6 percent compared to those for April 2009, from $1.0 billion to $986.8 million. Director Luebbering also noted the state has repaid the entire $520 million that was borrowed for cash flow purposes from the Budget Reserve Fund, several weeks ahead of the Constitutional deadline of May 15.

GROSS COLLECTIONS BY TAX TYPE

Individual income tax collections

• Decreased 8.9 percent for the year, from $5.06 billion last year to $4.61 billion this year.
• Decreased 6.5 percent for the month.

Sales and use tax collections

• Decreased 6.5 percent for the year, from $1.57 billion last year to $1.46 billion this year.
• Decreased 3.0 percent for the month.

Corporate income and corporate franchise tax collections

• Decreased 8.3 percent for the year, from $441.2 million last year to $404.4 million this year.
• Increased 7.5 percent for the month.

All other collections

• Decreased 7.7 percent for the year, from $392.3 million last year to $362.3 million this year.
• Decreased 9.3 percent for the month.

Refunds

• Increased 12.8 percent for the year, from $1.04 billion last year to $1.17 billion this year.
• Decreased 15.0 percent for the month.

MISSOURI HOUSE FINALLY APPROVES AUTISM INSURANCE

The Missouri General Assembly approved legislation Wednesday that would require state-regulated group insurance policies to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders. The House approved HB 1311 & 1341, sponsored by Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst, R-St. Louis, by a vote of 144-16. HB 1311 & 1341 would require group insurance policies to provide coverage for applied behavioral analysis services (ABA) for autistic children age 18 and younger with a maximum coverage of $40,000 annually.

HOUSE SHOWS LESS ACTIVITY IN 2010

Below is a comparison of House and Senate actions as of May 11 of each year.

Year	HBs Filed	SBs Filed	HBs 3rd Read House	SBs 3rd Read Senate	HBs TAFP	SBs TAFP
2010	1,321	528	77	89	34	11
2009	1,241	594	188	123	60	23
2008	1,336	600	174	124	25	16
2007	1,330	732	151	177	58	27
2006	1,207	723	173	196	63	84

HOUSE FLOOR ACTIONS

House Approves Wide-Ranging Ethics and Elections Reform Bill

The Missouri House approved an ethics reform bill Thursday containing provisions ranging from limits on campaign contributions and gifts from lobbyists to voter ID requirements and drug testing for elected officials. The House approved SB 844, handled by Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, by a straight party-line vote of 88-71. The ethics and elections reform provisions were added to SB 844 during a hearing Thursday morning in the House General Laws Committee. The bill then moved through the House Rules Committee and onto the House Calendar. As debate began on the House floor, House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence, made a motion to take up SB 577, an ethics reform bill that had passed out of the House Government Accountability and Ethics Reform Committee. LeVota’s motion was defeated and lawmakers then suspended a House rule to allow SB 844 to be considered on the floor. One provision of the bill would put in place annual campaign contribution limits of $20,000. Opponents called the limit meaningless and said the cap doesn’t apply to House and Senate candidates. The legislation would also make it a crime to transfer campaign funds from committee to committee with the purpose of concealing the donation source. Other provisions of the bill would make it a felony to obstruct an ethics investigation, cap lobbyist gifts at $2,500 and prohibit lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for two years or gubernatorial appointees for one year. The legislation would also require special elections to fill statewide office vacancies, require a government-issued photo ID to vote, and establish a system for “no excuse” early voting. In addition, the bill contains provisions that would require mandatory drug testing for elected officials and allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders to file a lawsuit on behalf of the state to defend the constitutional rights of Missouri residents. Additional provisions would require secret ballots for elections to form unions, require the Department of Revenue to use only county collectors, treasurers, or city collectors as fee office agents, and create a bipartisan committee to write ballot language. While several of the provisions contained in SB 844 are also contained in SB 577, opponents argued the additional provisions included in SB 844 do not represent true ethics reform. Minority Caucus members said provisions on campaign contribution limits, lawsuit authority for the lieutenant governor and legislative leaders, and the secret ballot requirement for union elections make the bill impossible to support. SB 844 now moves back to the Senate for consideration. View the video feature - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIYDQsddu7E House Majority Caucus Press Conference Part I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noG-EOSoyR0 Part II - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh0mvWy5-00 House Minority Caucus Press Conference Part I - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygGL-plsR4M Part II - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc2AS9LOFmw

Legislation Would Reduce Cost of Some Intrastate Long Distance Calls

The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval this week to legislation that would gradually reduce the access fees many Missourians pay each time they make a long distance phone call within the state. The Missouri House passed HB 1750, sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, by a vote of 148-7. Currently, when a customer in one part of the state calls a customer in another part of the state using a different phone company, a per-minute access fee is charged. While the FCC regulates the access rates for interstate calls, the State of Missouri is responsible for regulating access fees for long distance calls made within the state. Jones said Missouri’s intrastate access rates are some of the highest in the country. The final version of the legislation would require large telephone companies to reduce in-state access fees by 6 percent of the difference with their interstate access rates for each of the next three years. The House had originally passed a version of the bill that would have required a gradual reduction in access fees of 5 percent each year for a period of 10 years. Under the bill, small incumbent local exchange telecommunications companies serving less than 25,000 customers would be excluded from the requirement, as would certain rural telecommunications companies. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

House Approves Legislation to Improve Efficiency and Generate Additional Revenue

The Missouri House approved legislation Wednesday that would save the state millions of dollars by improving efficiency for in-home provider services within the MO HealthNet program and eliminating a tax exemption for Medicaid managed care companies. The House approved SB 842, handled by Rep. Rick Stream, R-Kirkwood, in the House, by a vote of 87-67. An amendment added to the bill by Rep. David Sater, R-Cassville, would call for the state to contract with a third party to assess the need for in-home health care services. Supporters said the measure is meant to save the state money by ensuring efficiency of service and to provide in-home services to more people. Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, supported the amendment and said it could save the state as much as $30 million. Another provision would remove a tax exemption for Medicaid managed care companies. Under current law, those providers do not have to pay the state's two percent insurance premium tax. SB 842 would remove the exemption, which would then draw more federal Medicaid funds to the state that would boost revenues and be used to reimburse insurers. State budget officials believe the change could generate approximately $15 million in new revenue. The bill now moves back to the Senate for consideration.

Expanded Public Notice of Certain Meetings Given Final Approval

Legislation that would require earlier notice for certain public meetings received final approval from the Missouri General Assembly this week. The House approved SB 851, handled by Rep. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, by a vote of 139-13. The bill would require four days notice for meetings on tax increases, eminent domain issues, zoning, tax increment financing and sales taxes. Current law requires 24 hours notice before a public meeting is held. The bill also requires each public meeting to include time for public comment and prohibits governing bodies from voting on tax issues unless proper notice is given. The bill now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

Legislation to Protect Mental Health Workers Moves to Governor’s Desk

The Missouri House gave final approval Thursday to legislation that would create new penalties for sexually violent predators in state custody who cause mental health workers or visitors to come into contact with certain bodily fluids. The House approved SB 774, handled by Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, by a vote of 156-0. The bill would make the crime the equivalent of the current crime of endangerment by a criminal offender against a Department of Corrections employee. Violent sexual predators who knowingly cause workers or visitors to come into contact with various bodily fluids, such as blood, urine or seminal fluid, would be charged with a class D felony, which carries maximum penalties of four years in prison or a $5,000 fine. Offenders guilty of the crime who are infected with HIV or hepatitis B or C, would be charged with a class C felony, which has a maximum prison term of seven years. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

House Approves Bill to Allow Pharmacies to Refuse to Sell Certain Drugs

The Missouri House gave approval Tuesday to legislation that would allow pharmacies to decide whether to stock certain contraceptive pills. The provision was added as an amendment by Rep. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, to SB 754, a professional registration bill that was approved by a vote of 114-38. Emery's amendment specifies that a pharmacy would not be subject to a lawsuit or criminal charges for refusing to provide the abortion drug known as RU-486 or the emergency “morning after” contraception referred to as Plan B. Emery said the change is meant to protect Missouri pharmacies from frivolous lawsuits that have been seen in other states. Critics argued the change could allow pharmacists to refuse to carry any kind of birth control. Emery's amendment was approved by the House by a vote of 109-42. SB 754 is now in a conference committee where members of the House and Senate are working to determine the provisions that will be contained in the final version of the bill.

House Approves Legislation to Create Girl Scout Day

The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval this week to legislation that would create an annual Girl Scout Day in recognition of the Girl Scout program. The House approved SB 649, handled by Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, by a vote of 146-4. The bill would require the governor to issue a proclamation each year setting apart the twelfth day of May as Girl Scout Day. The legislation also recommends that the people of Missouri observe the day in recognition of the Girl Scout program that “seeks to promote the social welfare of young women, build self-esteem, and teach values such as honesty, fairness, courage, compassion, character, sisterhood, confidence and citizenship through activities including camping, community service, learning first aid, and earning badges by acquiring practical skills.” Brandom, who sponsored similar legislation, said the annual day of recognition comes in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts organization in 2012. The bill now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

State Budget Finalized

The Missouri General Assembly finished work on the fiscal year 2011 state budget Thursday, more than a week ahead of its constitutional deadline. The House and Senate approved 10 of the 13 budget bills Wednesday and approved the final three bills Thursday morning. The $23.3 billion spending plan approved by the legislature represents a reduction in general revenue funds of $484 million from the governor’s original budget proposal. Gov. Nixon asked legislators to trim $500 million from the budget he outlined in January. Democrats criticized the spending priorities reflected in the budget and questioned Republicans for not considering measures that would generate more revenue. Much of the budget discussion focused on HB 2002, which provides more than $5.3 billion in funding for elementary and secondary education. The foundation formula that funds Missouri’s public schools called for a $105.7 million increase for fiscal year 2011. While the version of the budget approved by the House Budget Committee contained the increase, lawmakers opted instead to sustain current funding levels for K-12 education. In addition, the budget contains funding reductions for the Parents as Teachers program and school transportation. The budget also maintains an agreement with the state’s colleges and universities to limit the cuts to higher education in exchange for a tuition freeze. The spending plan contains a 5.2 percent funding cut for colleges and universities. The budget also contains funding reductions for tourism, mental health and social services. In addition, the spending plan eliminates more than 1,000 government jobs and items such as equipment, travel and expenses. After passage of the budget, Gov. Nixon issued a statement praising legislators for their work on the budget. "Over the past four months, my administration has worked with the General Assembly in a bipartisan manner to develop a budget that controls spending, while investing in critical priorities, like education, health care and public safety,” said Nixon. “Because of those efforts, and despite the historic challenges we have faced, we have passed a fiscally responsible budget without raising taxes and without raising college tuition for Missouri students for a second year in a row.” Nixon also urged the legislature to pass additional bills that would “right-size, restructure and refocus state government.” The budget bills now move to the governor’s desk.

Prompt Pay Legislation Signed into Law

Legislation [HB1498] that will ensure the prompt payment of health insurance claims made by providers was signed into law Tuesday. The “prompt pay” legislation will streamline the claims process and provide 45 processing days for claims to either be paid or denied. The new law will also implement a penalty of 1 percent of the total claim amount per day the claim remains unpaid past the 45-day window. In addition, the law will define a clean claim, which a provider must provide to an insurer for reimbursement, and remove the suspension provision currently in state statute that allows health insurers to delay payment by suspending a claim. The new law is meant to address some of the issues uncovered in a 2009 report published by the Missouri Department of Insurance, which showed Missouri health care providers have dealt with significant payment delays in claims filed with insurance companies. The report showed more than 26 percent of claims at 69 Missouri hospitals are past due by 90 days or more. Overall, in the second quarter of 2009, hospitals reported $153 million in claims unpaid after 90 days. The new law takes effect January 1, 2011.

Legislation to Clarify Sales Tax Laws Receives Final Approval

Legislation aimed at clarifying Missouri's sales tax laws and reversing two Supreme Court rulings from 2009 is on its way to the governor's desk to be signed into law. The Missouri House gave final approval on Wednesday to SB 928 by a vote of 150-1. Rep. Mike Sutherland, R-Warrenton, handled the bill in the House. The legislation is similar to another bill sponsored by Sutherland, HB 2048, which passed the House by a vote of 148-3. The legislation would clarify that certain purchases made for resale are not to be considered as retail items subject to sales and use tax when the subsequent sale is taxed in the state or another state, is for resale, is excluded from tax, is subject to tax but is exempt, or is exempt in another state where the subsequent sale occurs. The bill comes in response to two Missouri Supreme Court decisions that resulted in sellers being forced to pay sales tax on items they purchase for resale to tax exempt entities. Before the ruling, resellers were able to purchase goods to be sold to exempt entities tax-free. During discussion on HB 2048, Sutherland explained that the change results in additional costs for resellers that are inevitably passed on to churches, schools and other tax exempt organizations. The bill now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

Legislature Approves Bill to Protect a Mother’s Right to Defend Her Unborn Child

The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to a bill that would allow a mother to use deadly force in defense of her unborn child. HB 2081 is sponsored by Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane. HB 2081 specifies that a pregnant woman may use deadly force to protect her unborn child if she reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary. Riddle says the bill comes in response to a Michigan case where a pregnant woman was convicted of manslaughter for killing her boyfriend in defense of her unborn child. The case caused controversy in the Michigan state legislature, as members debated whether Michigan law allowed the woman to claim that she acted in self defense of her unborn child. The court later overturned the conviction and Michigan legislators passed a bill very similar to HB 2081. Riddle said she hopes her legislation can prevent a similar incident from occurring in Missouri. The Senate approved HB 2081 on Wednesday by a vote of 30-0. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

School Funding Bill Approved

The Missouri House gave approval Thursday to legislation that would make changes to the way the state funds public school districts. The House approved HB 2245, sponsored by Rep. Walt Bivins, R-St. Louis, by a vote of 82-67. The legislation would extend the phase-in of the school funding formula enacted by Senate Bill 287 in 2005. Funding for the formula was designed to be phased in gradually until the 2012-2013 school year. HB 2245 would give lawmakers an additional four years to phase in funding. The bill would also create a system for distributing money to schools when there is less money available than the formula requires. Critics of the plan opposed extending the phase-in of the formula. Another provision of the bill would change how the state reimburses school districts for summer school classes. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the state would only pay for summer school classes in core academic subjects that are necessary for a student to advance to the next grade. The bill would also allow school districts to charge some families for using the Parents as Teachers early childhood education program. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Approves Business Premises Safety Act

Legislation approved by the Missouri House Thursday would establish the Business Premises Safety Act. The House passed HB 1400, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox, R-Sedalia, by a vote of 113-40. The Business Premises Safety Act would prohibit businesses from restricting the lawful storage of a firearm in a motor vehicle on their premises. Under current law, businesses can choose to ban concealed weapons on their property. Another provision of the bill would protect businesses from liability for the criminal acts of a third party. Businesses would be liable for these acts only if they know or have reason to know the acts are occurring or are about to occur that pose imminent injury to a person or that the same criminal acts have occurred on the premises within the past 24 months and are likely to occur again. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Missouri General Assembly Approves Bill to Improve Care for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse

Legislation aimed at improving the quality of health care received by child victims of sexual abuse received final legislative approval Tuesday. The Missouri Senate approved HB 2270 by a vote of 132-0. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Wayne Cooper, R-Camdenton, received approval from the House in March. The goal of the legislation is to teach more medical professionals how to evaluate potential victims, and to allow those professionals to consult with other experts using advanced video technology. The bill would allow collaboration among the 17 medical resource centers that belong to the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Child Abuse Resource Education (SAFE CARE) network. These facilities would provide training for medical professionals on how to evaluate and communicate with child victims, and would provide evaluation services for victims as well. After evaluation, another element of the bill would allow the evaluating doctor to get a second opinion from other health care professionals statewide, using advanced video technology to transmit images and other information. Currently, doctors are barred from sharing information about their patients with anyone, excluding law enforcement. The legislation now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Measure to Establish Women’s Heart Health Program Receives Final Legislative Approval Many uninsured and underinsured women would have access to free heart disease risk screenings under legislation considered given final approval this week by the Missouri General Assembly. HB 1898, sponsored by Rep. Anne Zerr, R-St. Charles, would establish the Women's Heart Health Program within the Department of Health and Senior Services. HB 1898 would establish the Women's Heart Health Program to provide heart disease risk screenings for uninsured or underinsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 who receive breast and cervical cancer screenings under the Missouri Show Me Healthy Women Program and have a gross family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Screenings would be provided by health care providers currently offering services under the Show Me Healthy Women Program. Creation of the program is dependent on the receipt of federal funding. If federal funding is not received, the department is not required to implement the program. The Senate approved HB 1898 on Tuesday by a vote of 30-0. The House approved the bill earlier in the month by a vote of 143-9. The bill now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

Legislation Approved to Allow Gamblers to Use Casino Chips for Food and Drinks

The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to legislation that would allow gamblers at Missouri casinos to use casino chips to pay for food and drinks. SB 984 was handled in the House by Rep. Anne Zerr, R-St. Charles, who sponsored similar legislation. Currently, casino patrons must use cash to purchase food and beverages from wait staff while they are in a casino. SB 984 would modify state law to allow casino chips to be used to purchase food and beverages while on the gaming floor of excursion gambling boats. The House approved SB 984 on Monday by a vote of 131-23. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

House Approves Legislation Creating Silver Alert System

The Missouri House approved legislation Thursday that would expand the state’s Amber Alert System to include a Silver Alert System designed to help law enforcement locate missing elderly or disabled adults. The House passed HB 1521 & 1302, sponsored by Rep. Bob Nance, R-Excelsior Springs, by a vote of 154-0. HB 1521 & 1302 would change the name of the Amber Alert System, which is used for locating missing or abducted children, to the Amber Alert and Silver Alert System. The expanded system would be used to help locate missing endangered adults. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Members Pay Tribute to Veterans

Members of the Missouri House took time on Tuesday to pay tribute to veterans who have participated in the Central Missouri Honor Flight program. Approximately 200 veterans made their way onto the House floor to be recognized and honored for their service. Veterans were allowed to sit at members’ desks while lawmakers stood and applauded. Central Missouri Honor Flight is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices. Additional Web Links Photos from the Week of April 26 - 30 http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/photos.htm Video Week in Review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ7Hujsi1Fk

OTHER STATE HAPPENINGS

SUPPORTERS OF FOUR BALLOT MEASURES FILE PETITIONS

Supporters of four unrelated ballot measures met the May 2 deadline for filing initiative petitions with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office in hopes of putting their proposals before voters. The secretary of state has until Aug. 3 to verify that each petition has the requisite number of valid signatures and certify those measures for the Nov. 2 ballot. The measures include two statutory changes and two constitutional amendments. The statutory changes would enact regulations on dog breeders and allow voters in St. Louis and Kansas City to periodically determine if those cities can continue to levying incomes taxes. The constitutional amendments call for prohibiting the General Assembly from ever imposing a tax on real estate sales, which Missouri currently doesn’t do, and scrap the state’s nonpartisan system for appointing judges in favor of judicial elections.

STATE REVENUE COLLECTIONS GO FROM WORSE TO BAD

Year-to-date state revenue collections for the 2010 fiscal year were down 11.7 percent through April compared to the same period in FY 2009. Given the state’s budget situation, however, that was somewhat good news as it marked an improvement from a month earlier when year-to-date collections were lagging 13.3 percent behind the previous year. Net general revenue collections for April 2010 were down 3.6 percent, about $14 million, compared to April 2009.

TOURISM COMMISSION WON’T FUND TOUR OF MISSOURI

Missouri Tourism Commission Chairwoman Marci Bennett says state money won’t go to fund this year’s Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race, The Associated Press reported on May 6. The state budget for the upcoming year that lawmakers approved last week doesn’t earmark funding for the tour, but the race’s legislative supporters had hoped the Tourism Commission would authorize $1 million for it. With the Division of Tourism’s budget slashed from $23.7 million to $13.9 million, however, Bennett said the money will be needed to fund other priorities.

MISSOURI MAY SOON HAVE NATION’S LOWEST CIG TAX

Missouri’s 17-cent tax on a pack of cigarettes could soon be the lowest in the nation after South Carolina lawmakers on May 5 overwhelming approved a 50-cent boost in that state’s 7-cent-per-pack cigarette tax. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, however, has threatened a veto. If the South Carolina tax does take effect, it would become the 47th state to raise cigarette tax since 2000, and several of those states did so multiple times. Rhode Island has the country’s highest cigarette tax of $3.46 per pack. Virginia, which is the state with the next lowest cigarette tax after Missouri, levies 30-cents per pack.

Missouri Prevailing Wage Rates Set

Annual Wage Order No. 17 Now in Effect The Missouri Labor Department announces that the state prevailing wage rates have been established and are now in effect for use on all Missouri public works constructions projects. The Annual Wage Order contains prevailing wage rates for each occupational title in each county and the city of St. Louis. The prevailing wage is the minimum rate that must be paid to workers on public works construction projects in Missouri such as bridges, roads, schools, and government buildings. The Labor Department’s Division of Labor Standards is responsible for gathering wage information from public and private commercial construction projects statewide on an ongoing basis from contractors, labor organizations, and public entities. The wage information is used to determine wage rates for each of the 26 different occupational titles and their subgroups for every Missouri county and the city of St. Louis. The highest number of hours reported for a particular wage rate for an occupational title in a county becomes that county’s prevailing wage rate. Annual Wage Order No. 17 is now in effect. To find out more about the Missouri Labor Department, visit www.labor.mo.gov. Any employees working on Missouri public works construction not receiving the correct prevailing wage rate may obtain a complaint form at http://www.labor.mo.gov/dls/Forms/PW-6-AI.pdf and e-mail the completed form to prevailingwage{at}labor{dot}mo{dot}gov or call 573-751-3403

House Actions as of 5/10/10

# House Bills Filed 1,321 # HBs Reported Do Pass 192 # HBs Reported Do Pass Consent 81 # HBs Perfected 156 # HBs Third Read 77 # HBs Reported Do Pass in the Senate 102 # HBs Third Read in the Senate 28 # HBs TAFP 34

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, May 22, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Delta Fortitude Foundation 3858 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 Become a Healthy Brain Champion - Alzheimer's Association Healty Brain Workshop Interactive - free - half day workshop to receive first-hand information from local experts on how to get - and stay - healthy. Advanced Registration Required Visit www.alzstl.org or call 314-801-0452

WARD MEETINGS

2nd Ward Meeting
4th Thursday of Month
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Charlotte's Banquet Hall
8707 Riverview Drive

3rd Ward Town Hall
4th Tuesday of month
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Clay Elementary School
3820 N. 14th Street

Northside Neighborhood
Action Association
First Saturday of Month
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1525 Orchid

21st Ward Meeting
4th Thursday of month
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wesley House
4507 Lee Avenue

27th Ward Meeting
3rd Saturday of month
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Greater Pentacostal
6080 W. Florissant

6th District Police Mtg.
4th Monday of month
7:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m.
Police Station
4014 N. Union

Urban League Meetings
3rd Monday of month
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
4330 Stratman Place