Rupp: Proposition C on the Ballot in August Primary

Missourians will get the chance to vote on Proposition C, also known as the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, during the August 3 primary. I was a co-sponsor of this measure in the Missouri Senate to allow the people of Missouri to make this important decision at the ballot box. Voters will see the issue on the ballot like this.

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:  A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

I supported and worked to get this issue before the voters because Missourians deserve to have a choice regarding the right to keep their own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan, or no plan, without being penalized for that choice.  It also allows Missourians to select the federal government-designed and approved insurance plan if they so choose.

I feel that ensuring your freedoms to make the best choice of healthcare plans for you and your family is an extremely important issue. Forty-two other states are following Missouri's lead and enacting similar legislation or initiatives; however, Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue.  It is a very important election.  Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results, so I encourage you to educate yourself on the issue and make your voice heard on Aug. 3^rd. Please get out and vote.

If you have any questions or comments 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.

Kraus: August 3 Vote on Proposition C

A number of people have contacted my office asking about Proposition C, the question on health care that will be on the ballot next Tuesday, August 3, in the upcoming primary election.

Next Tuesday, you will have the chance to register your opinion on President Obama’s recent health care mandate. If passed, language will be placed into Missouri law that the citizens of Missouri cannot be forced to purchase health insurance under the threat of penalties and fines. It also allows citizens to offer or accept direct payment for health care, again prohibiting penalties if they do so. A “yes” vote is against the part of the federal health care plan that penalizes citizens for non-participation and forces them to purchase health insurance.

The proposed language does not prevent any one from participating in the federal health care system.

Others have asked about the second bullet point, below, of the actual ballot language. If passed, Missouri law would be modified to allow certain domestic insurance companies to self-liquidate under certain conditions. Right now, only the state may liquidate these insurance companies, which could possibly result in the state being held accountable for the insurance company debt. If passed, the rules would be the same as is currently applied to general business corporations.

In short, if you are opposed to Obamacare, vote “yes” on August 3. A number of people have asked me about my position. I’m voting yes. The massive federal health care bill, which is the target of Proposition C, is fiscally irresponsible and intrusive into our private health care decisions. Its passage was forced with unconscionable backroom deals and highly questionable tactics, and I don’t believe that is right.

If you are in favor of the federal health care mandates, vote “no” on August 3.

Here is the actual language as it will appear on your ballot. I encourage you to forward this information to your friends and family for their consideration on this important vote.

Proposition C Ballot Language

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Westbound I-470 Repairs to Be Completed by September 15

Repairs to westbound I-470 will be finished no later than September 15, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). On July 17, a segment of westbound I-470 to westbound I-435 collapsed due to a sink hole, and MoDOT has determined that the quickest and most effective solution to this disaster is a 225-foot bridge extension.

In order to complete the work as soon as possible, the construction contract contains incentives and penalties to encourage timely completion. Each day beyond the target opening date that the four-lane highway link is not open will cost the contractor $40,000. Each day the link opens sooner than September 15, the contractor receives $40,000 up to $1 million. The contractor may receive the maximum incentive if completed by Aug. 20. Around-the-clock construction will occur to meet the deadline.

Yesterday, MoDOT posted a live, real-time web camera overlooking the repairs at the 3 Trails Crossing. Viewers can watch the progress on MoDOT's website at www.modot.org/kc.

For more information about this project, please visit MoDOT's website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccommunityrelations{at}modot{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary Club Program

On Friday, July 16th, I stopped by the Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary Club meeting. After catching everyone up on what's happening in Jefferson City, I had breakfast with the group and learned about a great program going on in Lee's Summit.

For a philanthropic subscription of $50, Sunrise Rotary will place a large, 3 x 5 foot American flag in your yard for the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Homes and businesses both participate in this wonderful effort. Anyone who is interested can contact Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary at (816) 222-0771. Best of luck, Rotary!

Tim Jones: Proposition C and MSD

PROPOSITION C:  THE MISSOURI HEALTHCARE FREEDOM ACT

As you likely know, there is an election next Tuesday, August 3rd.  On that ballot you will find Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act which was passed in the last legislative session by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.  I was the original, lead sponsor of the Proposition in the House.

What do the different options on Proposition C mean for you?

I submit that a "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves your present right to keep your own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice.  A "Yes" vote is also your first opportunity as a citizen to express your opinion as to the federal healthcare bill that has come to be known as "ObamaCare". A "yes" vote on Prop.C (the Healthcare Freedom Act) is a message to Washington D.C. that you want the federal government to stay out of your healthcare options and choices.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians only to a government designed and approved plan.  A "No" vote on Prop. C sends a message to Washington D. C. that you agree with the federal government controlling your healthcare choices.

The actual ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

While our current healthcare system is not perfect, it is by far the best system in the world.  President Obama and a majority in Congress are seeking to impose their values and laws on our health system that has, up to this point, been run by state law and private enterprise.

One of the most important facts about ObamaCare is that Congress has EXEMPTED themselves from all the healthcare and insurance mandates that are imposed on the rest of the country.  If the new Federal Law is so good, then why did Congress exempt themselves?

Missourians will be the first citizens in the nation to vote on this issue.  The eyes of the Nation will be on the Show Me State next Tuesday, August 3^rd!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act and do not forget to vote next Tuesday!

Rep. Tim Jones' Storm Water Consumer Protections Law Enforced by Judge

JEFFERSON CITY – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones (R-St. Louis County) meant to protect St. Louis area residents from storm water fees for services they are not receiving has been enforced by a Lincoln County judge. The legislation became law August 28, 2009.

HB 661 prohibits the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District from assessing a district property owner any fee for storm water management services if the property uses a septic system and does not receive any other services from the district.  Previously, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District charged an "impervious surface runoff surcharge" to all property owners within the district's service boundaries regardless whether they received services from the district.

"I think it is a monumental victory for hard working taxpayers that the court has enforced this law and ruled that MSD can no longer collect fees for storm water services," Rep. Jones said.  "No longer will my constituents be paying for services they are not receiving."

"It was an honor and privilege to champion this legislative change for the folks in and around my district," said Rep. Jones.  "This is a great victory for the citizens affected by this fee."

MSD has not decided if they will file an appeal or find a funding replacement.

Nodler: Proposition C: Make Your Voice Heard

On August 3, voters throughout Missouri will be the first in the nation to have the opportunity to weigh in on the federal health care legislation passed by Congress. Thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2010 legislative session, Missourians will be able to make their voices heard on whether they want the federal government to mandate their health care decisions.

Proposition C is on the August 3 primary ballot. Also called the Health Care Freedom Act [HB1764], the ballot measure originates from a bill passed earlier this year. I co-sponsored the original measure to protect the rights of citizens in this state. If voters approve Proposition C, it will result in a constitutional amendment providing that no federal law can compel a patient, employer, or health care provider in our state to participate in any government or privately run health care system, protecting the right of patients and employers to pay directly for legal health care services.

Since the federal government passed the health care legislation, I have spoken out about my opposition to the so-called “reform.” It is a costly venture that violates the individual rights of citizens. Heightening costs will also create a serious funding dilemma for states as they try to pay for an outrageous expansion in Medicaid costs. The law hurts businesses as they are forced to cover costs for their employees. When Congress passed this legislation, I heard from a number of Missourians who were concerned that their rights were being violated. With the Health Care Freedom Act, citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

The passage of Proposition C would provide citizens with health care freedom — whether they chose to buy a private plan, use the federal plan, or purchase no plan at all. On August 3, you will be able to cast your vote and tell the federal government whether you think they should have the authority to penalize you for exercising your health care freedom.

Representative Marilyn Ruestman Receives Friend of Agriculture Award

NEOSHO – Representative Marilyn Ruestman (R-Newton) was awarded the 2010 Missouri Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture Award today. The award is given in recognition of a working relationship with Farm Bureau and for supporting policy positions friendly to agriculture.

She was presented the award this morning at the Farm Bureau office in Neosho. The Newton County Farm Bureau Board was on hand to congratulate her.

Representative Ruestman offered the following statement: “As a long time member of
the Newton County Farm Bureau, I am honored to receive this award. Thank you to all the local farmers; it has been a privilege to serve you these past eight years.”

Davis: Healthcare Freedom

Michael Reagan Visits the Capitol

Michael Reagan came to the Capitol recently to talk with the legislators and to share some stories about his father, President Ronald Reagan.  While he was in the Speaker's office he told us a remarkable story about a conversation he had with Margaret Thatcher after his father's funeral.

Here is my recount of the conversation:  Margaret Thatcher said to him, "It's a shame your father didn't win the primary in 1976 against Gerald Ford."  Michael said, "No it's not."  The world leaders were not in place to create the dynamic that effected such a substantial change in the world at the time.  It took Ronald Reagan, but also took Pope John Paul, Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev all serving as world leaders simultaneously.  Had Ronald Reagan won the primary in 1976, he would have been term limited out of office by 1984---way too early to have been a change agent with the others.  Isn't it great when everything just works out perfect?  I was inspired to know that we all are called to serve when the time is right.  This was my last session in the House, but it was very important for me to arrive right when the majority and minority switched seats.

Healthcare Freedom

"Proposition C" is on the August ballot.  If you vote next Tuesday, you will see a question of whether we should change the Missouri state statues to allow people the freedom to purchase or to not purchase the national medical insurance offerings.  The current federal law will force everybody to buy some sort of insurance or face a penalty.

I was the first one to introduce this measure in the legislature.  After my proposal passed out of the House, the Senate refused to take it up.  This frustrated a lot of citizens because it became obvious that the senators were listening more to the lobbyists than to their constituents. Feeling the heat from the voters, the Senators threw together a "watered-down" fragment of the original resolution and shoved it back to the House with a "take it or leave it" attitude.

The version the House sent to the Senate would have changed the Missouri Constitution.  The senate changed it to a referendum asking the voters if they want to change a state statute.  The Constitution is supreme over the statutes and can only be changed by a vote of the people, whereas the statutes are changed ever year by the legislators.

I am supporting this measure, primarily because I believe in healthcare freedom. This will be a referendum on how Missouri voters feel. However, the state senators ought to be embarrassed for failing to offer their constituents a true constitutional amendment.  The secretary of state's office told me this will be costing the taxpayers about $300,000 to put it on the ballot and the price tag is the same whether it is an amendment to the constitution or merely a referendum on whether we ought to have a statute change.

Our nation was built on the principle that people ought to be free from the oppression of governmental intrusion into our lives.  How we administrate our own medical expense payments ought to always be a personal choice.  If our founding fathers could have seen the debates we are having today, they would be astounded!

Every time the legislature passes more insurance mandates, they are buying into the philosophy of the Obamacare proponents in Washington DC.

Insurance mandates are the opposite of Healthcare freedom.  Here is a link to "The Show Me Institute" article written to demonstrate the damage done in the same session by trying to foist insurance mandates on us while at the same time attempting to get Healthcare Freedom into our constitution: Show-Me Institute -  Negative Consequences

Although well-intentioned, this mandate will necessarily raise the cost of premiums for Missourians, making it more difficult for individuals and small businesses to keep their health insurance plans…A mandate of any amount increases health insurance costs, and this bill's substantial commitment would assuredly have a noticeable effect." (Caitlin Hartsell researcher and public health graduate –Washington University)

As you can see, many legislators are philosophically conflicted.  Therefore, it was nearly impossible to be both in favor of healthcare freedom and against it in the same session.  Amazingly, most voted for both.

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you think about the federal healthcare policy. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

Don't Forget to get out and vote August 3!

Local Election links:

St. Charles sample ballot (contained in various city sections) and other information can be found by clicking on this link: St. Charles County Sample Ballot

Link to St. Charles County Elections Department: St. Charles County Elections Department

To view the Missouri State ballot click on this link: State Ballot Measure

A Little Bit of Humor

THE BUSY DOCTOR

A young doctor had just opened office and felt really excited. His secretary told him a man was here to see him. The young doctor told her to send him in.

Pretending to be a busy doctor, he picked up the phone just as the man came in. "Yes, that's right. The fee is $200. Yes, I'll expect you ten past two. Alright. No later. I'm a very busy man."

He hung up and turned to the man waiting. "May I help you?"

"No," said the man, "I just came in to install the phone."

Ridgeway: Proposition C - Missouri Health Care Freedom

Vote "Yes" to Opt-Out of ObamaCare
Vote "No" if you support ObamaCare

There is an election next Tuesday, August 3rd.  On that ballot you will find Proposition C, the Health Care Freedom Act which was passed in the last legislative session by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.  I voted FOR it in the Missouri Senate.

Proposition C provides Missourians a voice in the future of their own health care.

A "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves your present right to keep your own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice.  It also allows Missourians to select the federal government designed and approved insurance plan.  A "Yes" vote is your first opportunity as a citizen to express your opposition to the federal healthcare bill that has come to be known as "ObamaCare". By voting "yes" on Prop.C (the Healthcare Freedom Act), you will be sending a message to Washington D.C. that you want the federal government to stay out of your healthcare options.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians only to a government designed and approved plan.  A "No" vote on Prop. C sends a message to Washington D. C. that you are okay with the federal government controlling your healthcare choices.

The ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

It simply states that government may not, "penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services." It does not require that the state opt out of any federal program or bar Missourians from participating in any plan of their choice including the federally designed plan.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

While our current healthcare system is not perfect, it is by far the best system in the world.  President Obama and a majority in Congress are seeking to impose their values and laws on our health system that has, up to this point, been run by state law and private enterprise.  I prefer the latter.

The most telling reason to support Proposition C (Missouri Healthcare Freedom Act) is that Congress has EXEMPTED themselves from all the healthcare and insurance mandates that they seek to impose on us.  So the Washington D.C. political ruling class sets up rules for us regular folk, but exempt themselves.  If it's so good, then why are they exempt?

Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue.  It is a very important election.  Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results.

If ObamaCare is not stopped, it will require enormous tax hikes to pay for it.  It is estimated that ObamaCare will require Missouri to add over 400,000 people to the welfare roles.  Cuts to education, veterans, public safety, our courts and the disabled will be the result -- again, unless the federal law is stopped.  A "yes" vote on Proposition C will go a long way to help us stop implementation of the federal ObamaCare law.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions, and I encourage you to forward this alert to your friends and family.  I will be voting "yes" on Proposition C, the Missouri Healthcare Freedom Act next Tuesday, August 3.

For a better Missouri,

Senator Luann Ridgeway

Nance: Route 10 Bridge Closure, Proposition C, In The District

At left: Pictured with Representative Nance are Gregg and Blake Williams, New Orleans Saints Coaches who visited Excelsior Springs.

Department of Transportation Information Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement:

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the Route 10 Bridge over Route 69 in Excelsior Springs, Clay County on Tuesday, August 3^rd to rehabilitate the structure under the Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by October 1, weather permitting. A signed detour is in place for motorists driving through the area.

MoDOT crews have been busy closing bridges and rehabilitating or replacing the structures as part of the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. Next on the list of closures is the Route N Bridge over Fishing River south of Excelsior Springs in Clay County. This bridge will close on Monday, August 2^nd for no more than 55 days, weather permitting.

Want to know what bridge improvements will happen in Ray County? MoDOT will discuss this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the Richmond Council Chambers.

Proposition C

HB 1764 passed out of the house 137-12. It is a statutory referendum, Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, which will be on the ballot on Tuesday, August 3rd. Remember that Prop C was passed by both bodies by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.

A "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves our present right to keep our own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice. It also allows Missourians to select the federal government designed and approved insurance plan.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians to only a government designed and approved plan.

The ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

It simply states that government may not, "penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services." It does not require that the state opt out of any federal program or bar Missourians from participating in any plan of their choice including the federally designed plan.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue. It is a very important election. Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results.

In the District

The Ray County Fair was a success. Unfortunately, the Derby was postponed a week because of heavy rains.

On Saturday, July 24th I attended a fundraiser in Stet for the Stet Volunteer Firefighters. Over 100 people attended to show their support for this important cause.

On Sunday the 25th I attended a program sponsored by “Missourians for Animal Care Coalition”. Farm Bureau was also a sponsor of the event which shared our rights as animal owners and the threats to those rights.

Goodman: Missourians to Vote on Health Care Freedom Act

On the Aug. 3 primary ballot, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act [HB1764]. During the regular legislative session, I, along with a solid majority of my colleagues, worked to get a bill passed that would put this issue before the voters so you could make your own decision regarding the issue, which is in response to the federal health care law passed earlier this year.

Proposition C will appear to Missouri voters on the ballot in the following language:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language: A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Put simply, Missouri voters will choose whether or not the state should prohibit any law from forcing a patient, employer or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system. Missouri will be the first state to hold a vote on this issue, leading the way for the 42 other states that are working to enact similar legislation. The outcome of the vote will surely be closely watched and analyzed around the country, as Missourians will give more insight into public opinion on the federal government’s new health care plan.

Throughout the legislative process, I worked to get this very important issue before the voters, because I firmly believe that Missourians need an opportunity for their voices to be heard. Health care is a deeply personal matter, and by putting it to a vote, we can ensure that Missouri residents have a say in what they believe are the appropriate health insurance options for themselves and their families. I encourage you to educate yourself on the issue and head to the voting booth on Aug. 3.

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.

Keaveny: Serving the Fourth District in July

July has been a busy month, which started with my first annual free health fair for the community on July 10. We had a great turnout of residents who took advantage of free health care screenings and vital information. I appreciate the organizations and volunteers that made the day a success.

By mid-month we had learned about the potential for exposure to dangerous diseases at the St. Louis Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital.  I encourage you or any veteran you know who may have been affected to take the first step and get the free blood testing with no co-payment at the three outpatient clinics by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-374-3046 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

July 14 was the last day for the Governor to sign bills into law. I'm proud to say that a bill I co-sponsored, Senate Bill 758, has been signed, and allows the Bi-State Development Agency, which encourages development with Illinois, to issue bonds and notes that mature in a maximum of 40 years from the date of issuance, rather than 30 years.

The governor also signed SB 851, a bill I co-sponsored that requires at least four days notice before voting by governing bodies of local governments on tax increases, eminent domain, and certain districts and projects. Both measures take effect Aug. 28.

A provision I sponsored that streamlines the child support process by providing clear guidance on the termination of payments in Missouri was placed into House Bill 1692, which was also signed by the governor.

I held another payday loan forum on July 21, as this issue continues to be one of the most important in our district. I plan on revisiting my legislation to regulate this industry without putting them out of business. I will continue to work with all parties to achieve this goal.

For a full recap of my work this legislative session, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/Keaveny and view the 2010 Legislative Report, Sponsored Bills, as well as Press Releases and Weekly Columns.

Stouffer: Reducing the Number of Abortions in Missouri

Missouri now ranks as the fourth most pro-life state in the nation. This is up from ^11th just last year. Since 2005, the General Assembly has worked tirelessly to make this happen. Even though abortion remains legal in this country, the Show-Me State is leading the way in legislation that offers real alternatives for folks to choose life over death for our unborn children.

For instance, Senate Bill 793 will become law on August 28 — without the governor’s signature. Among other provisions, the measure requires that a woman seeking an abortion reviews materials that detail risks of the procedure to the mother and child. These include photos that detail the child’s life every two weeks. It would also give the mother the chance to hear the unborn child’s heartbeat and see an ultrasound, all within 24 hours of the procedure.

In addition to written, informed consent, Senate Bill 793 will require the doctor to explain alternatives and provide access for counseling resources. Plus, the new law will make sure that the mother is reminded of the father’s financial responsibility in taking care of the child. I served as co-sponsor of this legislation.

This bill is just the latest in a series of measures that have come from the state Legislature over the past five years. Missouri has some very stringent rules that ensure abortion is not the only option available, including:

• Missouri requires that 24 hours prior to an abortion, a woman be informed of risks of the proposed abortion procedure.
• A physician may not perform an abortion on certain minors under the age of 18 without the informed, written consent of one parent or a court order.
• Missouri prohibits public funds from being used for abortions unless the procedure is necessary to preserve the life of the woman or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
• Public facilities may not be used for performing, assisting in or counseling a woman on abortion unless it is necessary to preserve the woman's life.
• Health insurance policies are prohibited from including coverage for abortion unless an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the woman or an optional rider is purchased.
• Missouri prohibits partial-birth abortion.
• The state has an enforceable abortion reporting law, but does not require the reporting of information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The measure applies to both surgical and nonsurgical abortions and requires abortion providers to report short-term complications.

One thing all Missourians can agree on is the importance of life and that reducing the number of abortions in our state is a positive step forward. Fortunately, leaders in our state agree with this sentiment as well.

Ruestman: Reminiscing

It seems it was just a short while ago I was packing for my first inauguration as State Representative. Now, eight years later, I am preparing to move out of my office in the State Capitol. It has been a growing experience for me as I came to better know my district and work with them closely on issues of importance to them. I’ve made many great friends throughout the state as we worked hard to make Missouri a better place for families and businesses.

Now, I face the bittersweet end to my time in Jefferson City due to term limits. Despite the sad end to my time in state office, I still firmly believe in the positive effects of term limits.

Looking back, it has been an exciting time with a great opportunity to make a positive impact on our state and local communities. Bringing Newton and McDonald Counties to the forefront of state government has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Through my position in House Leadership, I was able to better represent my constituents by having a stronger voice in Caucus decision-making.

I’m happy to report that I’ve been busy over the last eight years. In 2007, supported by Jack Goodman in the Senate, I was able to pass the “Castle Doctrine” [HB60] which allows individuals to protect themselves from intruders in their home.

The following year a tragedy in my district prompted Ethan’s Law. The loss of Ethan Cory’s life could easily have been prevented. Through House Bill 1341, we required privately-owned pools open to the public to carry liability insurance. Through this requirement, pools who seek to be insured must meet specific safety standards before an insurance company will write them a policy.

The next year, 2009, I filed House Bill 152 for the second time. Through a lot of hard work and long hours, I was able to get it passed and signed into law. Now, those arrested for violent and sexual crimes or burglaries must submit a DNA sample to check against other crime scene evidence. Not only can it match them to the crime they were arrested for, but also to unsolved crimes. Additionally, it can exonerate the innocent early in an investigation. Since we know the typical rapist will rape 6-8 times before being convicted, this legislation can help catch and convict criminals sooner. I believe lives have already been saved due to this law.

That year I was also able to pass emergency placement of grandchildren with their grandparents. Prior to writing this bill [HB154], I heard many stories of children being removed from their homes and placed with strangers instead of family members. Most would agree that a child’s grandparents are usually the better option for placement when available.

My amendment to House Bill 1806 this past session will allow Newton County additional years to prepare for the costly government requirements necessary to move into the first classification. I also worked to secure an additional seat for Newton County on the Joplin Special Road District.

My time in office has been a whirlwind with many changes happening in Missouri and in the House of Representatives. In all, I was able to pass 13 pieces of legislation either as a bill or an amendment. I wish the incoming Representatives the best of luck and pray for them as they take on many serious issues in the state.

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.