Rupp: Missouri is Tough on Immigration, Too

I watched with interest as Arizona passed "one of the toughest" illegal immigration laws in our country's recent history. I'm assuming when they say "one of the toughest," they are including Missouri's illegal immigration laws, which I sponsored in the Senate and which were enacted back in 2008.

The Missouri law gives our state highway patrol the directive to check the residency status of anyone presented for incarceration. Officers received special training so they can continue to enforce illegal immigration laws, including courses to learn about the administration of deportation. At the same time, the law also calls for employers to use a computer program that checks the legal status of anyone seeking employment in our state, and it establishes penalties for employers who hire illegal aliens. If a company receives a tax credit, a check of the immigration status of the workers is required.

The Missouri law also prohibits municipalities from establishing sanctuary policies. It prohibits the issuance of driver's licenses to illegal aliens, as well as penalties for driver's license fraud. Illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving state grants or scholarships and other taxpayer benefits. All of these measures were wildly successful from the beginning and continue to be successful today. According to Cpt. Tim Hull of the Missouri Highway Patrol, as of April 24, 2010, the state started the deportation process 540 times.

I think the Arizona law sprang from the same frustrations felt by many Missourians. The federal government has ignored their responsibility to enforce our federal immigration laws. States like Missouri and Arizona have been more than patient in waiting for immigration reform and enforcement, and now our state and Arizona are doing what we can to stem the flow of crime that surrounds illegal immigration.

While we've had great success with these policies, these deportations are only a drop in the bucket compared to the magnitude of illegal immigrants thought to be in our state and country. My kudos to Arizona for taking the same strong stance Missouri has on illegal immigration, because it has renewed the demand for immigration reform throughout our country.

Until our federal government protects our borders and finds a solution to this growing problem, we will continue to protect our state's citizens and their interests.

NEW AUDIO CLIPS POSTED

New audio clips have been added to my multimedia page, located on my Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for you to listen to and watch on issues I have addressed that are important to me and the citizens of the 2^nd Senatorial District.

The new audio clips on my multimedia page feature me discussing the fiscal year 2011 Missouri budget, which the Senate passed yesterday (4/29) and sent to the Governor. This was done more than a week ahead of the Constitutional deadline of May 7 – a first in our state's recent history.

To view my multimedia page, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/Rupp/RuppMultimedia.html.

NEW QUESTION OF THE WEEK ON WEBSITE

A new question this week is posted on my website which asks:

With all the attention being paid to illegal immigration reform due to new laws passed by Arizona, do you feel the legislation that I passed in 2008 is sufficient or should we go even further? My bill passed in 2008 (HB1549), and includes the following provisions:

• Prohibits municipalities from establishing Sanctuary Policies
• Prohibits Illegal Immigrants from receiving public benefits, including state scholarships and grants
• Authorizes members of the MO Highway Patrol to get the official training necessary for them to enforce immigration law in Missouri
• Requires state law enforcement officials to verify the status of individuals taken into custody if a citizenship status determination cannot be made, and denies bail to individuals who cannot prove lawful presence, and since 2007, the Missouri Highway Patrol has detained over 520 people under this vital program
• Prohibits issuance of driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and creates penalties for driver's license fraud
• Prohibits Missouri employers from hiring illegal aliens and enacts tough penalties including suspension of business licenses, termination of contracts and barring entities from doing business with the state
• Private employers who are found to have hired illegal immigrants face penalties and they are mandated to use E-Verify for any future hiring
• Mandates that all public employers and any company using state tax credits, or companies that have a contract or grant with the state in excess of $5000 use the E-Verify system to check the status of its employees

Response:

• Missouri's 2008 Immigration Reform Laws are sufficient
• Missouri should do more to combat illegal immigration

Please go to my web page at: http://www.senate.mo.gov/10info/members/mem02.htm and click on "Question of the Week" in the upper right hand corner to respond to the survey.

PREVIOUS QUESTION RESULTS

The previous question was:

SJR 25 - Missouri Health Care Freedom Act
In response to the recent federal health care legislation passed by Congress, the Missouri Senate is considering SJR 25 – the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, a constitutional amendment that would state that no federal law shall compel an individual or employer to participate in any government or privately run health care system. Do you support or oppose this constitutional amendment that would allow each individual Missourian to choose for themselves the type of health care plan they want to participate in?

Results:
83% support SJR 25
17% opposed SJR 25

Thanks to all who responded to the question.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.

Engler: Rebooting Government & Saving State Dollars

The Missouri General Assembly finished our work on the budget this week.  I commend our Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, who has worked hard to create a fiscally sustainable budget during very complex and difficult financial times.  I am also pleased that we were able to finish our budgeting a week earlier than the constitutional deadline. A major reason for this was the lack of partisan bickering over the decisions and reductions that were made.

I would like to thank all of you that submitted ideas about how the state can save money, as several of these ideas were included in the coming year's budget.  Also, I would like to thank all of you and all the churches that have included the Legislature in their prayers over the past few weeks as we have debated and worked on this difficult budget. I believe the amount of progress that we made during this difficult year was somehow made possible by your support.

Throughout the past several weeks, I have talked a lot about the budget and ways for the state to save money.  This tough budget year and a disparaging future for revenue in the state have made it necessary for us to look at ways to save state tax dollars.  This week, we dealt with an issue that has been a priority of mine for years—saving money by no longer printing the state manual.

The official state manual is commonly called the "Blue Book." Every other year, the state prints the state manual, which contains information on local, state and federal governments.  The information is valuable, but the cost of producing these books is significant.  Current law calls for the state to print 40,000 copies of the Blue Book every two years.  Lawmakers get copies to give to constituents with senators getting 200 copies and House members receiving 150 copies. The remaining books are available to the public from the Secretary of State's office.  I chose not to receive copies of the Blue Book this year, and I did not have any constituent requests for them.

A provision to stop printing the Blue Books and offer them online only was added to House Bill 1965.  The bill also saves money by posting the Missouri Revised Statutes online only.  Currently, these must be reprinted every 10 years.  This measure will save the state about $500,000 on the statute books and $600,000 on the Blue Books.

We have had to make some tough decisions this year, including cutting jobs.  The money saved through these measures would be the equivalent of creating or savings almost 30 jobs at $40,000/year.  This information will still be available online to those interested, but the state will save these valuable dollars in a year when we have been forced to make more than $400 million in cuts.

In these final weeks of session, I have no doubt that the pace will be a quick one as we work on several pieces of legislation addressing major issues.  We will continue to work to complete these priorities through the final day of the legislative session on May 14.

Joe Smith: House Gives Final Approval to Tax Reform, Job Retaining Legislation

Recent Missouri Supreme Court decisions have put Missouri employers that do business with tax exempt organizations in a costly position, holding that a company selling products to a local government or tax exempt entity could not consider the sale a retail sale, and therefore, could not claim the sale for resale exclusion.

Senate Bill 928, which was passed out of the House this week, reverses that Supreme Court decision, seeking to benefit Missouri business and keep them competitive with those in other states. The bill does this by excluding resale items from sales and use tax if sold to a tax-exempt entity. This would include school districts, cities, counties and the state. The bill also has a provision which establishes similar tax increases for theater or theme park tickets that are sold by ticket brokers and a resale tax exemption on sporting clays that are resold at sporting club events.

Job retention is a huge priority, considering our economy is down and businesses tend to locate to states that offer them the best incentives at the most competitive prices. Through Senate Bill 928, we will be able to retain businesses in our state and provide Missourians with jobs.

The bill gained nearly unanimous support in the House and we hope that the Governor will not delay in signing this bill.

Joe Smith: House Passes Bill Promoting Tax Credits for Pregnancy Resource Donators

House Bill 2252, sponsored by Representative Sally Faith, R – St. Charles, extends the sunset period for tax credits given to those who donate to pregnancy resource centers. This bill passed through the house and has been sent to the Senate for final approval.

Pregnancy Resource Centers, located all across our state, are vital for individuals and families who are either expecting a child or who already have children and need help. These centers provide counseling to women and men who are going through difficult pregnancy situations or post-pregnancy situations. They also provide supplies like diapers and formula to those in need. By offering free pregnancy testing, counselors at Pregnancy Resource Centers are able to inform expecting mothers and families about life options for their unborn.

For years, Missouri has provided benevolent tax credits to those who donate to these centers, and House Bill 2252 extends the period of these tax credits until the year 2022. With these vital donations, Pregnancy Resource Centers are able to run their offices, provide supplies for families in need and give counseling and support to those who need it most.

Joe Smith: House of Representatives Pay Tribute to Veterans and Recognize Central Missouri Honor Flight

On Tuesday, nearly 200 veterans gathered in the House Chamber and were recognized and honored by our members. This particular group has been given the opportunity to participate in the Central Missouri Honor Flight, which is an outstanding non-profit organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC to view their memorials. This organization was created solely to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices. Since its inception in January 2009, Central Missouri Honor Flight has raised more than $350,000 and taken 465 World War II heroes to our nation’s capitol in eight memorable day-long trips. The group transports our heroes to Washington, DC, to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to senior veterans, WWII survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill.

Right now, things aren’t easy across our state. As legislators, we have faced hard decisions, but nothing we will ever endure will be as difficult as the long days and nights our war veterans faced as they served, sacrificed and bled for this land. There is no doubt that our service pales in comparison to what our veterans have done for us, but there is one thing we know: we are here, because our veterans were there. I challenge all of us to never forget their fight, and always hold on to their honorable service in our hearts.

It was a true privilege to have these American heroes in the State Capitol. I highly commend the Central Missouri Honor Flight for their tireless efforts to give back to these individuals who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Joe Smith: Missouri Legislature Passes Balanced Budget, Without Raises Taxes

This week, we passed a balanced budget, approving funding to run critical functions of state government without a tax increase. Thirteen budget bills totaling $23.1 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1 were agreed upon by both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for final approval. Together with the Senate, we shaved a total of $484 million from the Governor’s proposed budget, making the tough decisions necessary to keep Missouri afloat in our harsh economy.

Unlike the federal government, we managed to look at each budget item, line by line, and responsibly make the reductions needed to uphold vital programs. We were also able to trim down those items that we could live without, even though it wasn’t an easy process.

I am pleased to report that we voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current levels. In addition, Missouri’s K-12 schools will receive the same level of funding in the 2011 Fiscal Year as they did this year. We also approved $37.5 million for the Career Ladder program that pays teachers for extra work such as afterschool tutoring. The funding would pay teachers for work that has already been completed during the 2010 Fiscal Year. The largest savings, anticipated to be millions, came from looking at state departments and identifying how they may run more efficiently by eliminating more than 1,000 government jobs, including taxpayer-funded lobbyists and items like equipment, travel and expenses.

We completed the budget more than one week in advance of the deadline set by the state constitution, which is something I haven’t seen since I entered the legislature. I am extremely proud of the work of our budget chairman, Representative Allen Icet, R – Wildwood, and his budget committee for their longstanding dedication to this process.

Because we continued down a fiscally-conservative path while balancing our state’s budget, we are able to keep Missouri in a leadership position when it comes to being financially stable. While other states across the nation are struggling miserably to keep afloat, Missouri is ahead of the game and operating the best we can consider declining state revenues.

Tim Jones: Balanced Budget Passed, Tax Credits for Pregnancy Resource Donors, Health Care Freedom Act Update

Soaking, violent weekend storms grudgingly gave way to clearer, blue skies early in the week as brilliant sunshine reigned down upon the Capitol by week's end.  Under the Capitol Dome, the hard and tireless work of the Budget Committee came to a successful conclusion as the House Majority completed their heavy budgetary lifting, necessarily trimming $500 million from our State's Budget during extremely difficult economic times providing all of the citizens of Missouri with yet another balanced budget containing no increases in taxes.  As the last two weeks of Session draw near, all now prepare for a final flurry of activity as we return to debate on many remaining important policy matters…

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." -- Thomas Jefferson

Missouri Legislature Passes Balanced Budget, WITHOUT Raising Taxes

This week, the General Assembly passed a balanced budget, approving funding to run critical functions of state government without a tax increase.  Thirteen budget bills totaling $23.1 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1 were agreed upon by both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for final approval. We shaved a total of $484 million from the Governor's proposed budget, making the necessary and tough decisions to keep Missouri afloat in this harsh economy.

Unlike the federal government, we examined every budget item, line by line, and responsibly made the reductions needed to uphold vital programs.  We were also able to trim items that we could live without, even though it was not an easy process.

I am pleased to report that we maintained the school funding formula at its current levels. In addition, Missouri's K-12 schools will receive the same level of funding in the 2011 Fiscal Year as they did this year.  We also approved $37.5 million for the Career Ladder program that pays teachers for extra work such as afterschool tutoring.

The largest savings, anticipated to be millions, came from reviewing state departments and identifying how they can run more efficiently by eliminating more than 1,000 government jobs, including taxpayer-funded lobbyists and items like equipment, travel and expenses.

We completed the budget more than one week in advance of the deadline set by the state constitution, which is absolutely remarkable given that I have never seen this accomplished in previous sessions.  This is a testament to the work of our Budget Chairman, Representative Allen Icet, R – Wildwood, and his budget committee for their longstanding dedication to this process.

Because we continued down a fiscally-conservative path while balancing our state's budget, we are able to keep Missouri in a leadership position when it comes to being financially stable.  While other states across the nation are struggling miserably to keep afloat, Missouri is ahead of the game and operating the best we can despite declining state revenues.  For the past eight years, House Republicans have led the way in passing constitutionally mandated, balanced budgets WITHOUT any tax increases.  I am honored and humbled to serve you in such a financially prudent fashion during such challenging fiscal times.

House of Representatives Pay Tribute to Veterans and Recognize Central Missouri Honor Flight

On Tuesday, nearly 200 veterans gathered in the House Chamber and were recognized and honored by our members.  This particular group has been given the opportunity to participate in the Central Missouri Honor Flight, which is an outstanding non-profit organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC to view their memorials. Since its inception in January 2009, Central Missouri Honor Flight has raised more than $350,000 and taken 465 World War II heroes to our nation's capitol in eight memorable day-long trips. Top priority is given to senior veterans, WWII survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill.

As legislators, we have faced hard decisions this year, but nothing we will ever endure will be as difficult as the long days and nights our war veterans faced as they served, sacrificed and bled for this land.  Our service pales in comparison to what our veterans have accomplished, but there is one thing we know: we are here, because our veterans were there.  I challenge all of us to never forget their fight, and always hold on to their honorable service in our hearts.

House Passes Bill Promoting Tax Credits for Pregnancy Resource Donators

House Bill 2252, sponsored by Representative Sally Faith, R – St. Charles, extends the sunset period for tax credits given to those who donate to pregnancy resource centers.  This bill passed the House and has been sent to the Senate for final approval.

Pregnancy Resource Centers, located all across our state, are vital for individuals and families who are either expecting a child or who already have children and need help.  These centers provide counseling to women and men who are going through difficult pregnancy situations or post-pregnancy situations and also provide supplies, like diapers and formula, to those in need.  By offering free pregnancy testing, counselors at Pregnancy Resource Centers are able to inform expecting mothers and families about life options for their unborn.

With these vital donations, Pregnancy Resource Centers are able to run their offices, provide supplies for families in need and give counseling and support to those who need it most.

House Gives Final Approval to Tax Reform, Job Retaining Legislation

Recent Missouri Supreme Court decisions have put Missouri employers that do business with tax exempt organizations in a costly position, holding that a company selling products to a local government or tax exempt entity could not consider the sale a retail sale, and therefore, could not claim the sale for resale exclusion.

Senate Bill 928, which was passed out of the House this week, reverses that Supreme Court decision, seeking to benefit Missouri business and keep them competitive with those in other states.  The bill does this by excluding resale items from sales and use tax if sold to a tax-exempt entity.  This would include school districts, cities, counties and the state.

Job retention is a top priority, considering our economy is down and businesses tend to locate to states that offer them the best incentives at the most competitive prices.  Through Senate Bill 928, we will be able to retain businesses in our state and provide Missourians with jobs.  The bill gained nearly unanimous support in the House and we hope that the Governor will sign it soon.

URGENT! HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE-CALL YOUR SENATORS!!

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". 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 health care that they want.  As we continue to see, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is.  HJR 57 was passed out of the House many weeks ago by a vote of 109-46.  UNFORTUNATELY, HJR 57 AND ITS SENATE COUNTERPART, SJR 25 (sponsored by Sen. Jane Cunningham-R, Chesterfield) BOTH REMAIN MIRED AND STUCK IN THE SENATE.  A particular special interest group along with a very few liberal minded Senators who continue to want to protect Obama's disastrous agenda are stopping either of these bills from passing, which they should have done weeks ago.  TIME IS QUICKLY RUNNING OUT…IT IS TIME TO CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND BOTH SENATE PRO TEM CHARLIE SHIELDS AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER KEVIN ENGLER AND TELL THEM THAT PASSING ONE OF THESE RESOLUTIONS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY AND IS VITAL FOR ALL YOUR FELLOW FREEDOM LOVING MISSOURIANS.  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session.  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.htm.  As you will see in the photos [at right], I am very happy to announce that this week, the Governor signed my House Bill 1498, commonly referred to as the Prompt Pay Act which will ensure the prompt and efficient payment of health insurance claims by insurance companies to all health care providers in our State.  As I stated at the press conference, this is true, genuine health care cost reform for all Missourians!

Personal News & Notes

The last two weeks of Session will be extremely fast paced and we will spend long days on the House Floor and running back and forth to the Senate.  Bills will fly back and forth between the Chambers and everyone will be searching for a good legislative vehicle on which to complete their priorities.  I want to thank all of the great folks who support me back home as we become fully immersed in our work at the Capitol during these final days of the 2^nd Regular Session of the 95^th General Assembly, especially my family and my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom.  It is hard to believe that in two weeks, the Session will be over and summer will be upon us!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  We have had many visitors to the Capitol so far this year; if your travels find you anywhere in or around Jefferson City, please do not hesitate to stop by and visit us in Room 114!  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Tilley: Two Bills That Encourage Job Creation

A huge sigh of relief came out of Jefferson City this week as we finished work on the state budget. While not everyone, including myself, was entirely happy with the way things finished, we have to do with less these days. Our state revenue numbers continue to be anemic, but we have seen some positive signs that things may be rebounding.

Because of the rough environment, we have continued to maintain job creation as our main focus. The fastest and perhaps only way we are going to get our economy rolling again is when more Missourians find work. I think it’s also important that not only do we advocate for new jobs or business expansions, but that the jobs we create are good family supporting jobs.

In addition to passing the budget this week we took up two different bills that focused specifically on creating family supporting jobs. The first, SB 773, was a proposal we were able to use as a legislative vehicle for a manufacturing jobs act. Under the manufacturing proposal the state would provide incentives to manufacturing based companies that add new jobs, pay salaries at or above the industry average wage, and offer to pay for 50% of a healthcare package for the employee. These are exactly the type of jobs we should welcome in Missouri because they can support a family and we have been told Ford Motor Company will most likely use this proposal to expand their plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

The second proposal, SB 928, helped create jobs in another way. In SB 928 existing businesses were protected from a court decision that would have started taxing goods that government’s or municipalities purchase. In the past these items have been exempted because often times they are very large purchases. The best examples we heard were the airplanes and fighter jets that Boeing builds in St. Louis. If SB 928 wasn’t signed Boeing would have had to scale back production in St. Louis or look for doing any future expansions somewhere else. We need the type of jobs that Boeing provides. The men and woman who work at that manufacturing facility are highly trained and educated people that mean a great deal not only to our state, but also to our country.

There are just two more weeks of the legislative session left and finishing the budget was a big accomplishment, despite some tough decisions. As we proceed into the last two weeks of the legislative session we will continue to keep our focus on jobs, but there will be several things we can still accomplish to make state government more responsible, more transparent, more accountable, and more efficient.

Gatschenberger: Gun Sales Bill Advances, Classroom Funding, Tax Refund Payments

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you." –Thomas Jefferson

Pro-Gun Bill Heads to Senate Floor for Consideration!

From the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action

Wednesday, April 21, the Senate General Laws Committee passed House Bill 1802.  HB1802 will now head to the full Senate for consideration.

HB1802, sponsored by State Representative Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), would repeal an arcane 1971 Missouri law that restricts interstate purchase of rifles and shotguns.  The bill would allow Missouri residents to purchase rifles and shotguns in any state and would also permit residents of other states to purchase rifles and shotguns in Missouri.

In addition, the Senate General Laws Committee added provisions extending the "Castle Doctrine" to the boundary lines of rented or leased property.  This doctrine would allow you to use force, including deadly force, for self-defense without fear of legal repercussions.  Finally, a provision was added to HB1802 that would lower the Right-to-Carry age from 23 to 21.

Currently no date or time has been scheduled for the Senate to consider HB1802 so no action is needed at this time.  Please continue to check your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on this bill.

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." –Thomas Jefferson

CLASSROOM FUNDING

The Missouri Legislature is facing the toughest economic situation in our state's history. However, because of tough decisions made in the last decade, Missouri is one of only seven states in a good financial position for the future.  (AAA Rating)

Addressing these challenges has required a great deal of time, patience and understanding. Your input and prayers have provided lawmakers with a firm ground to stand on during these turbulent times.

We are in the process of putting together a balanced budget for Missouri's next fiscal year, which will start on July 1, 2010. Unlike the federal government, we are not able to spend more than the state brings in from revenues — your tax dollars.

To understand Missouri's budget, it is important to know the biggest two expenditures: Social services and K-12 education. It is these two departments where we have to do the most work to balance our state's budget this year. Currently, our budget is roughly $1 billion behind where we were in revenue one year ago.

This year, the Legislature has put a priority on classroom funding for Missouri's students, which means keeping the funding for classroom instruction through the state's formula at the same rate as 2010.

Not decreasing funding to Missouri's classrooms has led to cuts to state government and other types of education spending.

In FY 2009, Wentzville received $23,285,950 from the Foundation Formula, DESE projects them to receive $25,984,833 with the language currently in HB 2014, that's an increase of $2,698,883 (An 11.59% increase) from FY 2009 to FY 2010, so when it is being said that they are suffering a "loss" or being "cut", they are talking about not getting as big of an increase as they thought they were going to get.  We are down roughly 12% in collected revenue over the past two years and this year is not finished.

There has also been a lot of controversy surrounding changes in teacher retirement. Unfortunately, special interest groups have led current and retired teachers to believe their retirement would be affected.  This is not true.  There are no attempts to alter any teachers retirement plans… period!

We are looking for a common sense solution to reform state employee retirement by changing benefits for all new state employees. The retirement legislation passed (Senate Bill 714). As promised, it did not and will not include teachers retirement... just new state employees!

This session has provided lawmakers with an opportunity to reconsider all of our state's spending, as we are all doing in our homes, and improve state government. This is all being done without a tax increase. Times like these remind me why I became involved in state government and it remains my honor to serve you in the Missouri House.  I always remember that this is your and my tax dollars we are spending!

Tax Refund Payments

HCS House Bills 1408 & 1514 – This bill changes the time period before interest is paid on an overpayment of income tax from four months to 45 days.  This occurs after the last date to file a return, including an extension, or the date the return was filed.  The bill has been passed out of the House and has passed out of committee in the Senate.

A HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL OUR CHURCHES FOR THEIR PRAYERS DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS!

Want to Track Legislation?

Go to: www.house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx?pid=26 where you can search by bill number; keyword; sponsor or co-sponsor.

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House and Senate Joint Bill Tracking Bill Number / Keyword / Sponsor-CoSponsor (Help) Search: Enter Bill Number (ex: HB1206), keyword , sponsor, or co-sponsor last name and click "search" tab Year / Type: 2010 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2009 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2008 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2007 1st Extraordinary Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2007 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2006 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2005 1st Extraordinary Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2005 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2004 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2003 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2003 1st Extraordinary Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2003 2nd Extraordinary Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2002 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2001 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries Spec01 Basic Advanced Bill Summaries 2000 Basic Advanced 1999 Basic Advanced 1998 Basic Advanced 1997 Basic Advanced 1996 Basic Advanced 1995 Basic Advanced Full Search Search Type: All Words Any Words Boolean Expression Exact Expression Natural Language Sort Order: Search Rank Document Title Last Modified Ascending Descending

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." –Thomas Jefferson

Recently I visited with members of the Daughter's of the American Revolution

At right: Ms. Deloris Bear – Member DAR and also a member of the LSL Pontooners.

The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.

DAR members volunteer more than 60,000 hours annually to veteran patients, award over $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for the underprivileged with annual donations exceeding one million dollars.

As one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country, DAR boasts 165,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at: (573) 751-3572 or by emailing me at chuck{dot}gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

REAL FACTS

Socialism:
the main problem with it… is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money!

FUN FACTS

Look up!  The Big Dipper has tipped and spilled into the Little Dipper!

June bugs begin appearing… will someone please tell them it's not even May yet!

April 30^th is National Arbor Day… so plant a tree!  Visit www.arborday.org for help.

Nance: Jobs at Claycomo Plant Spared, Amongst Other Bills Passed

At the Capitol

“My dad worked at the Ford Plant for almost 30 years. We all know the importance of Ford’s to our district’s economy and our communities.”

House Bill 1675 has passed the House and is in the Senate. It was tailored to help retain the Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo Plant which is one of metropolitan Kansas City’s largest employers, with nearly 5,000 workers. I co-sponsored the bill with Jerry Nolte of Claycomo. Again, these jobs are important to our communities.

The bill establishes the Manufacturing Jobs Act that is applicable to any qualified supplier or manufacturer that creates or retains jobs. Such job-generating facilities are allowed to retain employee withholding taxes for a period of years. The total amount of withholding taxes retained by all qualified companies under the program is limited to no more than $15 million annually.

The House third read and passed the following bills:

• HB 1788, which would change the laws regarding initiative petitions and referendums, by a vote of 130-24.
• HJR 78, which proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a three-fifths majority vote to amend the Missouri Constitution, by a vote of 98-52.
• HB 1444, which would require certain public governing bodies to hold a public meeting and to allow public comment four business days prior to voting on certain issues, by a vote of 135-17.
• HB 1966, which would change the laws regarding absent uniform services and overseas voters and elections, by a vote of 86-70.
• HJR 64, which proposes a constitutional amendment changing the laws regarding elections, by a vote of 85-72.
• HB 1316, which would change the required notice that certain assessors must give taxpayers when the assessed valuation on real property increases, by a vote of 147-0.
• HB 1786, which would authorize an income tax credit for the eligible costs of bringing conventions or sporting games to Missouri, by a vote of 98-59.
• HB 1473, which would revise the grade required for renewing an Access Missouri Scholarship, combine the award categories, revise the award amounts, and specify that the program will not be terminated, by a vote of 145-10.
• HB 1584, which would change the laws regarding manufactured homes, by a vote of 151-3.
• HB 1636, which would allow the Department of Revenue to issue a special event motor vehicle auction license to an applicant auctioning certain vehicles, by a vote of 131-21.
• HB 2058, which would establish procedures for asserting a mechanic’s lien against residential real property, by a vote of 141-7.
• HB 2252, which would reauthorize the provisions regarding the tax credit for contributions to pregnancy resource centers and extend the expiration date until Aug. 28, 2022, by a vote of 114-39.
• HJR 62, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen’s right to choose any or no religion, by a vote of 134-23.
• HB 1521 and 1302 passed through the House on Thursday. It is a bill that I sponsored which adopts a “Silver Alert” for endangered persons not covered by the “Amber Alert System”. This bill also protects our seniors.

Visitors

Richmond resident and Silver-haired Legislator Keith Hardin was at the Capitol on Tuesday.

The Mushroom Festival is this weekend. Of special interest is the Chip identification program at city hall sponsored by Masonic Lodge #57 in Richmond. Masonic Child Identification Programs (CHIP) is a charitable initiative by North American Masonic lodges to aid in the identification and recovery of missing children. See you there at 9:30 a.m..

Pictured [at right] is the Orrick 4th Grade Class visiting last week.

Purgason: Identifying Core Functions Of Government Through Budget Process

Budget negotiations continued this week as conferees from both chambers met to reconcile differences between versions passed by the House and Senate. Following these meetings, the final budget bills were sent to the House where they were approved and forwarded to the Senate. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, our office has been receiving a vast amount of correspondence regarding various programs. All are pleas to either save a particular program or fund at a larger amount. All the messages are passionate and some border on despair.

These past months have forced a closer look by the legislature as to what is and is not a core function of government. When times are good, no matter which party is in control, it is a desire of legislators to implement new programs. I cannot explain, nor do I understand, why even the most conservative of politicians will work tirelessly for passage of a bill that adds to the growth of government. It could be argued many of these programs exceed the basic responsibilities of what is expected from state government.

It should be no surprise that once individuals enjoy the benefits of a program of any type it is extremely difficult to remove or reduce. Never has this been more evident than now. As reductions are being made, citizens are convinced their particular project is bearing a disproportionate share. When Career Ladder was in danger of being discontinued, we were told to not balance the budget on the backs of teachers. When biodiesel subsidies were reduced, we were told it wasn’t fair to balance the budget on the backs of farmers. When a bill that reduced the number of state holidays by two passed the Senate, we were told the budget should not be balanced on the backs of state workers. Every constituency group feels they are being unfairly singled out as we endeavor to balance the budget.

The budget presents a unique position. When the economy was more robust, our area benefited from the year to year growth. Now, with continually sagging revenues, reality is upon us. One person’s idea of ‘waste’ is another person’s definition of ‘necessity’. Every reduction affects someone. The question rapidly becomes, ‘Does this program qualify as a core function and responsibility of government or was it a product of better times?’ Out of necessity, we are being reminded that if you depend on Jefferson City or Washington, D. C., for your happiness and satisfaction, you run the risk of disappointment.

As usual I can be reached at State Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or 573-751-1882, or chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov for your questions, comments, or advice.

Nodler: Remembering and Honoring Missouri Workers

Recently, many of us watched the tragedy of America’s worst coal mine accident in four decades unfold in West Virginia. There were 29 victims in that disaster and the entire country mourned the loss. While not of this magnitude, some Missouri families have also experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one who was killed while working on the job, and we honored those lives this week.

Lawmakers, the Missouri Labor Department, and families joined together on the Capitol lawn to remember Missouri workers who have been killed on the job. “Workers Memorial Day” recognizes workers who have been killed or injured while working. In 2009, more than 109,000 Missouri workers were injured and 116 lost their lives in the workplace.

Family members of the deceased workers from throughout the state received special recognition at the Capitol. I presented Missouri flags to the families of three local workers. Andrew Wade of Seneca, Robert Warren of Joplin, and Jesse Collier of Neosho lost their lives while doing their jobs. You can see a tribute to them as well as other Missourians who died at the workplace by visiting www.labor.mo.gov/rememberworkers.

Workers Memorial Day was first observed April 28, 1989. The date is particularly important because it also observes the anniversary of the creation of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. Every year on this day, hundreds of communities and work sites throughout the nation recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

Workers Memorial Day also promotes workplace safety. The state of Missouri has resources to help Missouri employers keep their businesses safe. The Division of Labor Standards’ On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is a free and confidential service to help Missouri employers comply with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Safer workplace practices can lead to lower workers compensation insurance costs and can help improve attendance, productivity and morale. More information on the program is available by visiting www.labor.mo.gov/rememberworkers/safety_programs.asp

On average, 16 workers in the U.S. die each day from injuries sustained at work. These deaths are tragic and, often times can be prevented. I encourage everyone in the 32nd Senatorial District to take the time to focus on workplace safety this week—your efforts could save lives.

Holsman: House Bill 1848 Passes Senate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - In a unanimous 30-0 vote, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Substitute to House Bill 1848, the Urban Farming Bill. The Senate made a minor modification to the bill, sponsored by Representative Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City), by changing the task force to a joint interim committee of the Missouri General Assembly. Originally, the task force would have included legislators, farmers, and agriculture experts from across the state, while the version passed by the Senate will create a special, temporary committee of the Missouri House and Senate which will research and hear testimony regarding all facets of urban agriculture. In addition to the committee, the Senate version includes a special "Urban Farming Advisory Subcommittee" which would include representatives from the Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Health & Senior Services, and Economic Development, as well as eight citizens with subject matter expertise.  The subcommittee would provide technical assistance, analysis, background information, and recommendations to the Joint Committee.  The overall goal of the interim committee is to create a report which can ultimately be used as a model for Missouri - as well as other states - to help develop and foster growth of urban agriculture.

Since the bill was passed by the Senate in a different form than it left the House of Representatives, the bill will be sent back to the House, where legislators will decide whether to accept the changes made by the Senate, or reject them and request that the bill be assigned to a conference committee containing both House Members and Senators. Holsman has indicated that he will support the changes made by the Senate when the bill returns to the House.

"The Missouri House and Senate have proven that our state is committed to moving closer to food independence," Holsman said. "If both bodies can come to an agreement on the final language of this bill, we can get to work with our study and ultimately move toward creating more jobs and filling more vacant properties in the urban centers of Missouri."

The bill has received support not only from proponents of urban farming, but from large scale commodity farmers, including several members of the General Assembly who are farmers by trade. Expanding agriculture to the urban areas potentially opens up farming as a possible career choice to thousands of Missourians who would otherwise not have been exposed to the science. Supporters believe that many residents who came from farming backgrounds may return to the fields if exposed to agriculture within the cities. "Farming has been a way of life in Missouri for generations," said Senator Jolie Justus (D-Kansas City), the bill's handler in the Senate, "From life sciences, to conservation, to emerging urban agriculture issues; this study celebrates our true Missouri heritage."

Goodman: Bill Protecting Life Sent to Governor

Senator Jack Goodman Handles Bill in Senate

JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Jack Goodman (R-Mt. Vernon) today played a major role in passing a bill that allows Missouri mothers to protect their unborn children from violence without fear of legal repercussions.

Senator Goodman handled HB 2081 in the Senate, a bill that permits any pregnant woman to use deadly force to protect her unborn child from attack. The bill stems from the case of a pregnant woman in Michigan who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison time after using deadly force to defend her unborn baby against her boyfriend who was repeatedly punching her in the abdomen. The case was eventually overturned, but HB 2081 is a proactive attempt to guarantee that mothers in Missouri may defend their babies from an attack.

"Fear of criminal prosecution should not prevent women from using full force to defend their unborn children," Sen. Goodman said. "This important legislation ensures that Missouri mothers have an undeniable right under the law to protect themselves and their babies from violence."

House Bill 2081 now awaits the governor's signature before it will be enacted into law on Aug. 28, 2010.

Representative Marilyn Ruestman Sponsors Artists Day at the Capitol

Several Missouri artists displayed their art recently as part of Southwest Missouri Artists’ Day at the Capitol. Representative Ruestman and her colleagues, Representatives Flanigan, Wilson, Stevenson and Brandom were happy to continue the tradition of artistic pride in Missouri at the Capitol. (Artists pictured are: Margie Moss, Helen Ryan, Koral Martin, Doug Hall, Pat Provance, Calvin Ackerson and Barbara Ross)

Goodman: Protecting Life and Limiting the Harmful Effects of Gambling

While the budget has been the primary focus of the 2010 legislative session so far, your Legislature is still working to address other important issues for Missouri families. Last week, the Senate General Laws Committee, which I chair, advanced two bills that I strongly support.

The first is House Bill 2081, a measure I will be handling in the Senate. This legislation would allow any pregnant woman to use deadly force to protect her unborn child. In instances where a woman and her unborn baby are seriously threatened, fear of criminal prosecution should not prevent the woman from defending herself and her child.

The bill stems from the case of a pregnant woman in Michigan who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison time after using deadly force to defend her unborn baby against her boyfriend who was repeatedly punching her in the stomach. Though the case was eventually overturned, we should take proactive steps to guarantee that mothers in Missouri may defend their babies from attack.  This important legislation would make that right crystal clear in state law.

I am determined to make swift progress on this bill to ensure it has time to be discussed on the Senate floor and given an opportunity to receive a vote. The General Laws Committee received the bill on April 20, and I scheduled a public hearing for the next day, April 21. Shortly after the hearing, the committee voted to pass the bill, sending it to the Senate floor the same day. With only three weeks left in the legislative session, there is no time to lose.

Last week, I also amended a bill to include a provision that would help limit the expansion of gambling in Missouri. Essentially, my amendment to HB 1893 would make it more difficult for the Missouri Gaming Commission to quickly issue a license for a new gambling boat in our state. Prior to any new gaming license being considered, the commission would be required to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the economic and financial impact of issuing an additional gaming license. The commission should consider these findings before determining whether an additional license should be issued.

Missouri must strongly regulate and restrict the growth of the gambling industry, particularly in these uncertain economic times. Gambling can have potentially destabilizing effects on local economies, as well as disastrous consequences for individuals and families, so I hope that my colleagues in the Legislature will seriously consider this bill when it comes to the Senate floor.

As always, I welcome your ideas, questions and concerns about Missouri government. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-2234, jack{dot}goodman{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or by writing to Senator Jack Goodman, Missouri State Capitol, Room 331-A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Rep. Tim Jones’ Prompt Pay Act Signed into Law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon signed HB 1498 into law today. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, will ensure the prompt payment of health insurance claims submitted by health care providers, and is also known as the Prompt Pay Act. Health insurers in the state will now have 45 processing days to either pay a claim or deny it. The law will remove a previous provision in state law that allowed health insurers to indefinitely suspend claims that sometimes led to non-payment.

“I am very pleased that the Governor signed the Prompt Pay Act today,” Rep. Jones said. “This is a bill that I successfully shepherded through the General Assembly with the help of my Senate colleagues, Senators Lembke and Bartle and with the assistance of both health care providers and insurers. Because Senators Lembke, Bartle and I were successful in bringing all the parties together, we were able to pass a bill that will reduce costs in our health care system and will make the payment of health insurance claims more efficient and timely. The bill will also give greater security to all citizens and health care providers, especially rural doctors and clinics who rely heavily on the prompt payment of claims. Unlike what the federal government has done, the Missouri General Assembly has passed meaningful health care cost reform that will benefit the citizens of our State.”

The bill came on the heels of a 2009 report conducted by the Missouri Department of Insurance that showed 26 percent of claims at 69 Missouri hospitals were past due by 90 days or more. The report also showed that in the second quarter of 2009, hospitals reported $153 million in claims unpaid after 90 days. If a claim is not paid or denied within 45 days, a penalty of 1 percent of the total claim amount per day the claim remains unpaid past the 45-day window will be enforced with the new law.

The bill will go into effect January 1, 2011.

Keaveny: Tips for Your Safety from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department (STLMPD) operates on the philosophy of providing the best possible service to the citizens of St. Louis. This service is not only the active protection of our community. The department also provides citizens with useful tips to help ensure their own safety.

The police department stresses that feeling safe in your home and neighborhood is the number one priority. If your neighborhood does not have a neighborhood watch program, you can contact your community outreach officer at (314) 622-4800 to start one. Supporting safety as a community will have a strong effect on the overall well-being of your neighborhood. You can call your area patrol station in order to increase the police presence in your neighborhood. Alarms, visible street address numbers, surrounding lights and secure entrances are all great ways to protect your home. In addition, it may be helpful to get to know your neighbors so that if and when you travel, they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Preventing auto-related crime is another concern. The police department suggests you park your car in a well-lit area, locking all doors after entering your vehicle, always having your keys in hand when walking to your vehicle so that you won’t have to fumble for them, never leaving your title or other important paperwork inside your car, and always keeping plenty of gas in your vehicle so you won’t have to stop at unsafe locations or times.

Above all, personal safety is the most important. One of the best tips that the police department stresses is for you to trust your intuition. If you feel threatened or something doesn’t feel right, seek out safe places in the areas where you live and work.

In emergency life or death and crime situations, you should always dial 911 for an immediate police response. The non-emergency number, (314) 231-1212, should be used when police assistance is needed but not urgent. Further tips for crimes can be reported at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). You can also find the common crime statistics for your area in the crime stats section of the SLMPD website.

The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department is always a source of protection and general help for the citizens of the city. You can find other useful safety tips about personal safety on http://www.slmpd.org, or you can call the non-emergency number, (314) 231-1212, for more information.

Kraus: Legislation in the House

House and Senate Begin Budget Negotiations

Both the House and the Senate have passed versions of the thirteen bills that make up the fiscal year 2011 state budget.  The next step was to send the two versions to a conference committee in which members from the House and Senate will work to craft a compromise version of the state spending plan. I expect this process to be complete as soon as today.

The version of the budget approved by the House cuts approximately $224 million from the more than $23 billion spending plan originally proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon. The Senate's version contained cuts totaling more than $450 million. Gov. Nixon asked the Missouri General Assembly to cut $500 million from his original budget recommendations.

Each budget bill will be discussed by a conference committee made up of five members from the House and five from the Senate. Their job is to iron out any differences between the spending plans adopted by the two chambers. The budget bills must be approved by May 7.

House Approves Tax Credit to Attract Sporting Events

Last Thursday, the Missouri House approved a measure, HB 1786, that would authorize a tax credit that supporters believe will help attract major athletic events such as the NCAA Final Four. The bill is meant to make Missouri competitive with states like Ohio and Texas that already have tax credits to attract college sporting events.

HB 1786 would authorize a refundable tax credit equal for either 100 percent of the eligible costs of an approved event or 90 percent of the tax revenues within the market area that are directly attributable to the event, whichever is less. Within 60 days of the conclusion of the event, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue would be required to determine the amount of tax revenues directly attributable to the event. The Missouri Department of Economic Development would be allowed to issue up to $10 million in tax credits each year.  HB 1786 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Approves Change to Open Meetings Law

The Missouri House gave approval Thursday to legislation, HB 1444, that would require earlier notice for certain public meetings.

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 extra time would give citizens more opportunity to comment on the actions of local government. HB 1444 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Run for Hope

Hope Network, First Baptist Church in Raytown, reaches out to those in the community that are in need of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. On April 30, they are sponsoring a 5K Run for Hope and Family Fitness Walk.  By participating in the event, you can help provide hope for those in need with your $30 registration fee.

I am entering the 5K run event.  Please join me in this worthwhile effort!

The 5K Run starts at 8:30 a.m. on April 31 and the family fitness walk begins at 8:35 a.m. from the entrance on the north side of First Baptist Raytown, 10500 East 350 Highway, Raytown.  You can go to the website to register, become a sponsor, or find more information.

Constituents Asked…

After I ran an article on litter cleanup, several people contacted my office who were curious to know if prisoners are employed to help clean up our roads and highways.  The answer is that the state does make use of prisoner populations for road litter cleanup.  After a rigorous screening to ensure suitability for outside work, about 600-900 prisoners are available to work and they do work every week day.  The prisoners clean up highways within a reasonable distance of the prisons.  You haven't seen them in Eastern Jackson County because the driving distance from a state prison is too far to transport inmates.

With the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about once a week. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1 (573) 751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Senator Schaefer Welcomes World War II Veterans

JEFFERSON CITY – This morning, April 27, a very rare introduction in the Missouri Legislature will take place to honor World War II veterans who have participated in the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program. This non-profit organization honors veterans by transporting them to visit their national memorials in Washington, D.C.

Missouri senators and representatives will pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of Missouri veterans in the House chamber at 10:00 a.m. Senator Schaefer is honored to welcome the World War II veterans from throughout the state to the Missouri Capital.

“Missouri veterans have selflessly served to protect America’s freedom. I am privileged to honor their service and to show our heartfelt appreciation,” Sen. Schaefer said. “It is truly a rare and humbling occasion when one can be in the presence of nearly 200 World War II heroes.”

For information on the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program, please visit www.centralmissourihonorflight.com.

Ruestman: Illegal Immigrants Working in Schools? Of Course Not!

I've recently come under attack from a Kansas City labor union for a bill I'm sponsoring that would lower your taxes and help our schools.  They claim I support the hiring of illegal immigrants to work on our school buildings.  Not only have I been a strong advocate of ending our illegal immigration problem, I cosponsored the toughest immigration reform in Missouri, House Bill 1549

In 2008, HB 1549 was passed and signed into law creating the strictest immigration policy Missouri has ever had.  I cosponsored it and I voted for it.  Among other things, it provided for the following:

• Allowed the Highway Patrol to dedicate specific patrolmen to be trained in enforcing federal immigration laws;
• Prohibited any county, city, town or village from enacting sanctuary policies.  Any municipality that does so would be ineligible to receive state grant money;
• Illegal aliens are prohibited from receiving any state or local public benefits;
• Requires certain employers to e-verify citizenship status of employees;
• Prohibits the Department of Revenue from issuing drivers' licenses to illegal aliens and does not recognize licenses issued to illegal aliens from other states.
• Denies illegal immigrants bail;
• Created the crime of transporting illegal aliens; and,
• Requires arresting law enforcement agencies to verify the immigration status of a person charged with a crime.

The School Construction Act, HB 1960, allows school districts to opt out of mandated wage requirements.  Labor unions are fighting this bill because their prevailing wage law artificially inflates wages to their benefit.  This bill supports free enterprise solutions for our schools in this time of budget constraints, by reducing the cost of constructing new buildings.  It allows local construction companies to bid and consequently hire more local workers, create more competition and reduce construction costs on a taxpayer-funded project.

My record stands for itself.  There is no reason to believe this bill would cause an influx of illegal immigrant workers.  Beyond that, it is a violation of state and federal laws to hire an illegal immigrant!  Laws are in place to prevent such things from happening and inspections abound.

The School Construction Act would allow schools to decrease the costs of school buildings by up to 25% and save YOU, the taxpayer, money!  It would allow more projects to go forward in this poor economy which would create jobs!  Perhaps it is that the labor unions support higher taxes and fewer jobs?  Why is a Kansas City labor union worried about rural school districts saving some money?

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Schaefer: Smoking Cessation Program, Latest Legislative Action

Now only three weeks remain in the legislative session. The General Assembly is hard at work debating bills before the May 14 adjournment.

On Monday, I spoke at a press conference [at left] highlighting a new smoking cessation pilot program at the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital.

The program, estimated to cost approximately $8 million, would be available to Missouri residents currently on Medicaid. Funding for the program was added to the state budget last week as part of House Bill 2011. The budget conference committee will consider funding for the program next week.

I appreciate the supporters who came to the press conference. With the committee's support, I am excited to see the benefits that this program will provide to the citizens of this state who are looking to stop smoking and begin a healthier lifestyle.

Legislative Action

Also on Monday, Senate Bill 1004, which will increase the penalty for shaking a child, was passed out of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. The bill will now go before the Senate for debate.

Senate Bill 887, which would ban spice cannabinoids, also known as K2, was heard in the House Public Safety committee on Tuesday. Additionally, Senate Bill 880, which deals with changes to existing DWI law, received a hearing in the same committee and was placed on the informal calendar.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting Michael Brewer to the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee for consideration to the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities. In addition, this week, I also had the honor of introducing two physicians as Doctors of the Day on the Senate floor. I introduced Dr. Peter Koopman, Assistant Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine at MU, on Wednesday, and on Thursday, I introduced Dr. Carl Freter, doctor of hematology and oncology at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

Also this week, the Senate and House began work finalizing the budget that will be sent to the governor. The conference committee will continue with the budget next week.

Capitol Visitors and Gubernatorial Appointees

Michael Brewer with Senator Schaefer	Dr. Peter Koopman with Senator Schaefer

Thank you for your continued interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Randolph counties. If you have any questions or concerns involving state government, please contact my office.