Representative Roorda praises signing of Autism Insurance Bill
At left: Representative Roorda shows his support at the June 8 Autism Bill signingState regulated insurance companies will be required to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders under legislation, CO-Sponsored and supported by Rep. Roorda, that Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law Thursday.
House Bill 1311&1341 will require insurers to provide coverage for up to $40,000 a year in treatment for autistic children age 18 and younger. The legislation has been a priority for Roorda and other House Democrats in recent years.
"House Bill 1311&1341 was by far the best bill to pass this year," said Roorda. "For years, Missouri has been one of the only states in the country that has allowed insurance companies to arbitrarily deny benefits and cancel coverage for Autism and Spectrum Disorders, this bill will make a huge difference in the lives of many Missouri families."
Similar legislation was blocked in the House of Representatives in 2009. This year's bill, however, enjoyed strong bipartisan support, passing 144-16 in the House and 27-6 in the Senate. As with most bills passed during the 2010 legislative session, HB 1311&1341 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011.
Read the St. Louis Post Dispatch Article: Missouri Legislature Approves Autism Insurance Bill
Travel Restrictions on State Employees
Missouri Governor. Jay Nixon's administration is placing tight restrictions on out-of-state travel by state employees to reduce expenses, The Associated Press reported on June 8 citing an administration memo to state department directors.
The new policy generally prohibits state workers from traveling out of state however, there are exceptions. Transporting prisoners, emergency responses, and travel that is legally required, privately paid, or essential to conduct an audit, collect taxes or fees due to the state.
Increase in MOSERS base pay
After it was revealed that employees of the Missouri State Employees Retirement System received substantal bonuses in 2008, despite the fact that the system lost $1.8 billion that year from its investments, MOSERS agreed to eliminate bonuses for all but the system's top managers starting later this year. But the MOSERS Board of Trustees this month will consider a proposal to offset the loss of bonuses by increasing their employees' base pay.
Although MOSERS' investment staff received the bulk the bonuses, support staff, such as secretaries, also were given more modest bonuses. Under the proposed pay plan, the approximately 70 employees who are no longer eligible for bonuses would receive pay increases equal to 90 percent of what they oringinally received bonus wise. MOSERS oversees the pension system for most state employees.
Read the St. Louis Post Dispatch Article: Mosers considers pay increase
Respected Children's Advocacy Group Closes Doors
After 25 years, Citizens for Missouri's Children, a respected child advocacy group that produces the annual Kids Count report, has ceased operations. In June 4 letter to supporters, CMC Director Scott Gee cited a lack of sufficient funding as the reason for the group's demise.
CMC was best known for its Kids Count report, which annually compiled comprehensive data on child poverty rates, health issues, and other matters affecting Missouri children. Gee told the Missouri net that he hopes another group will take over the report.
Read the Kansas City Star article: Advocacy group Citizens for Missouri's Children closes its doors
Jefferson City Voters Consider Smoking Ban
The Jefferson City Council on June 7 voted to place a proposed ban on smoking in public areas, including bars and restaurants, on the Nov. 2 ballot. The council acted after anti-smoking activists submitted a petition for a smoke-free ordinance containing more than 1,200 signatures. According to the Jefferson City News Tribune, Missouri's state capital is one of only six in the country that doesn't have a broad smoking ban.Read more about the proposed smoking ban at the St. Louis Post Dispatch article: Jefferson City will vote on smoking ban
If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I enjoy serving my constituents as "their" voice in the Missouri State Capitol.
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